ALPINE, Texas — A Mexican national, formerly a Mexican police officer, pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alpine to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine as the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
U.S. Customs and Border Protection assisted with the case.
According to court documents, Cesar Alonzo Lopez Ruiz, 34, of Rosales, Mexico, attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Presidio Port of Entry. A search revealed 50 packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the gas tank of his vehicle. The drugs’ total weight was approximately 27.8 kilograms.
Lopez Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26. He faces a penalty of 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Greenbaum and Amy Greenbaum are prosecuting the case.