Authorities intercept liquid meth shipment sending the trafficker to prison

McALLEN, Texas - A 59-year-old Mexican citizen residing in Houston has been sentenced for his role in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of meth, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Abiel Gudino-Garcia pleaded guilty Aug. 26.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane has now ordered Gudino to serve a total of 96 months in federal prison. At the hearing, the court learned that Gudino initially claimed he had purchased diesel, but when confronted with the overwhelming evidence, he realized that authorities knew about the drug deal.

"This operation demonstrates the unwavering commitment to protecting our communities from the scourge of meth trafficking," said Hamdani. "By intercepting this shipment and apprehending those involved, we are taking significant steps toward dismantling dangerous drug networks and ensuring public safety."

In April 2018, Gudino arranged a meeting with drug traffickers in Houston to obtain a shipment of 80 gallons of liquid meth. Gudino was unaware that authorities had intercepted and seized the shipment in Rio Grande Valley before his planned delivery. Gudino arrived at the meeting location with empty gasoline tanks ready to transport the illegal substance and brought $15,000 for the purchase.

An undercover member of law enforcement posing as a trafficker handed Gudino what he believed was the meth. After the exchange, authorities followed Gudino to his home and detained him as part of their ongoing investigation.

Previously released on bond, Gudino was taken into custody following the sentencing where he will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura Garcia and Cahal P. McColgan prosecuted the case.