Illegal Alien sentenced to 25 years for operating methamphetamine conversion lab

Editor's Note:
This matter occurred on date indicated, but not published at that time due to government shutdown. Press release posted and made available following the return to normal operations.

HOUSTON - A 26-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for running a clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Houston, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Juan Carlos Reyes Flores pleaded guilty July 28.

U.S. District Judge George Hanks has ordered Reyes Flores to serve 300 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment. At the hearing, the court heard detailed about the scope of the operation. Judge Hanks noted the lengthy prison term reflects the court's responsibility to the people that methamphetamine distribution and addiction harms and explained that the court had a duty to issue a sentence that discourages others from engaging in similar criminal conduct.

From May to September 2020, Reyes Flores operated a methamphetamine conversion lab in Houston to process and distribute drugs smuggled between Mexico and the United States.

He oversaw workers who converted liquid methamphetamine imported from Mexico into crystal form and coordinated its distribution throughout the Greater Houston area.

On Sept. 1, 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Houston location where they recovered over 30 kilograms of pure methamphetamine. They also found equipment and materials used for the conversion process throughout the premises.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI and Houston Police Department conducted the investigation with the assistance of the Texas Department of Public Safety, Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Harris County Precinct Five Constable's Office and police departments in Baytown, Navasota, Pasadena and Deer Park.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine J. Lu and Michael E. Day prosecuted the case.