Modesto Methamphetamine and Heroin Trafficker Sentenced to 70 Months in Prison

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Lupe Aime Busio-Valencia, 43, of Modesto, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge John A. Mendez to five years and 10 months in prison for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced.

According to court documents, Busio-Valencia and co-defendant Jose Garcia Herrera, 63, of Modesto, were arrested on July 22, 2020, while attempting to deliver 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin to a drug customer. The drug were concealed within a hidden compartment underneath the driver's seat.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Modesto Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Stokman and Justin Lee prosecuted the case.

Garcia Herrera failed to appear for a prior court appearance and is currently a fugitive from justice. The pending charges against him are only allegations; he is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.