Making a [drug] run for border: Jury convicts driver who used Taco Bell wrappers to smuggle methamphetamine

LAREDO, Texas - A 57-year-old Mexican national has been found guilty of conspiracy to import 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

The jury deliberated for approximately 30 minutes before convicting Jose Luis Valverde-Ramos following a two-day trial.

On June 14, Valverde-Ramos drove a Mitsubishi Outlander bearing Mexican plates to the Lincoln-Juarez International Bridge in Laredo.

When questioned, Valverde-Ramos said he was going to Dallas to see a doctor for blood pressure treatment. Law enforcement noticed anomalies in the vehicle's ceiling and referred him to secondary inspection.

At trial, the jury heard that an x-ray examination revealed the vehicle had a modified, non-factory compartment in the ceiling that was electronically controlled. Authorities discovered eight tube-like packages inside the box, each wrapped in clear plastic with Taco Bell Doritos Locos packaging around them.

The bundles field tested positive for methamphetamine which had a total weight of 51.15 kilograms.

The jury heard Valverde-Ramos asked if a GPS had been found in the vehicle, claiming someone contacted him about his arrival in Laredo, even though he had not shared his location. They also saw photos of the modified vehicle and listened to voice memos from others instructing Valverde-Ramos where and when to cross into the United States.

The defense argued Valverde-Ramos had no knowledge of the narcotics. The jury was not convinced and found him guilty as charged.

U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo presided over the trial and set sentencing for Dec. 9. At that time, Valverde-Ramos face up to 10 years in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million maximum fine.

Valverde-Ramos will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation with the assistance of Customs and Border Protection.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Bryan Oliver and Leslie Cortez prosecuted the case.