Federal authorities say that a truck driver from Mexico could face up to life in prison on charges related to smuggling methamphetamine.
Twenty-seven year old Luis Angel Burnias-Reyes has been charged with conspiracy and importation of meth, according to a May 29 news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of Texas.
According to federal authorities, on November 7, 2019, Burnias-Reyes drove a tractor trailer into the U.S. at a port of entry near McAllen with a B1/B2 visa.
Burnias-Reyes was allegedly hauling a large commercial tire in his trailer that contained 51 kilograms of liquid meth.
Authorities say that Burnias-Reyes delivered the tire to a location in McAllen and then returned to Mexico.
He was arrested on March 19, 2020, when he attempted to re-enter the U.S. His visa was also cancelled.
If convicted on the conspiracy and importation charges, Burnias-Reyes faces at least 10 years and up to life in federal prison. He could also be subject to a fine of up to $10 million.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations is spearheading the investigation.
Burnias-Reyes is scheduled to appear before a U.S. magistrate judge in Laredo this week.
