A man from Del Rio, Texas, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison following his involvement in a drug trafficking operation. The sentencing took place on April 22, 2025, after Leonardo Estrada, 41, pleaded guilty to a charge of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute methamphetamine into the United States. This sentence resulted from a joint investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Estrada’s guilty plea occurred on May 22, 2023. ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee commented, “Today’s sentencing highlights the serious consequences for those who traffic in methamphetamine, a drug that wreaks havoc on individuals and communities alike. HSI remains steadfast in its mission to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent the spread of methamphetamine across the country.”
Court documents revealed that on February 15, 2023, Estrada was stopped at a U.S. Border Patrol checkpoint on Highway 277 near Eagle Pass. During the inspection, a K-9 unit detected something near the pedals on the driver’s side of Estrada’s vehicle. A subsequent search uncovered two plastic bundles wrapped in clear plastic tape, concealed under the carpet behind the gas and brake pedals. One bundle tested positive for 790 grams of methamphetamine, while the other contained marijuana. Estrada admitted to engaging in drug trafficking activities since 2021.
Estrada was taken into custody at the checkpoint on February 15, 2023. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Warsame Galaydh for the Western District of Texas.
