Mexican National Sentenced to Nearly 20 Years in Federal Prison for Meth Trafficking

DEL RIO, Texas - A Mexican national was sentenced in a federal court in Del Rio to 235 months in prison for importing 69.5 kilograms of methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico.

According to court documents, Rey David Sonora-Villanueva, 36, of Nueva Rosita, Coahuila, Mexico, attempted to enter the U.S via the Eagle Pass Port of Entry on Feb. 26, 2020. During a vehicle inspection, Customs and Border Protection officers extracted 69.5 kilograms of methamphetamine from Sonora-Villanueva's vehicle. Analysis of the seized methamphetamine revealed a purity level of 98%.

Sonora-Villanueva was indicted for four charges related to the possession and importation of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty on Jan. 28, 2021 to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection investigated the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tyler Fleming and James Ward prosecuted the case.

###