Illegal alien transnational drug trafficking leader receives 12 years in federal prison

HOUSTON - A 26-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Andres Reyes-Morales pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2024.

U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Reyes-Morales to serve 144 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.

The investigation began in November 2022 when authorities identified Reyes-Morales as a member of a transnational criminal organization. The organization was responsible for smuggling and distributing methamphetamine from Mexico into South Texas and on to Houston. Reyes-Morales was a conversion lab operator, courier and facilitator.

As part of an undercover operation, authorities purchased approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine from Reyes-Morales. He then coordinated with Moices Moreno-Marin and Franciso Reyes Solorzano-Duarte to complete the deliveries.

On April 14, 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at Reyes-Morales' residence and seized approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine concealed in a shoe box in a bedroom closet.

Reyes-Morales admitted the narcotics belonged to him.

Moreno-Marin, 38, and Solorzano-Duarte, 27, also Mexican nationals, pleaded guilty for their roles and were sentenced to 36 and 54 months in prison, respectively.

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

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day prosecuted the case.