Illegal alien sentenced for repeatedly smuggling bulk amounts of methamphetamine into the United States

LAREDO, Texas - A 46-year-old Mexican national has been ordered to federal prison for a conspiracy involving over 15 kilograms of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

Jose Calleros Avila pleaded guilty Nov. 4, 2025.

U.S. District Judge John Kazen has now ordered Avila to serve 87 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.

Avila crossed the Colombia Solidarity Bridge in Laredo June 1, 2025, driving a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban. He claimed he was coming back from Matehuala, Mexico, with two duffel bags full of candy for his children. However, during a routine inspection, authorities located two bundles inside a bag mixed in with children's candies. The bundles tested positive for methamphetamine, which prompted further inspection and the discovery of a total of 15 bundles weighing 15.44 kilograms.

Avila had planned to transport the drugs to another individual in Dallas for further distribution throughout the United States. After delivering the methamphetamine, Avila would return to the location in Dallas, pick up cash, and wire the money to various individuals throughout Mexico.

He admitted he had transported various narcotics at least five times, doing so for cash payments.

Avila 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 and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tory R. Sailer is prosecuting the case.