A former Mexican police officer pleaded guilty in federal court to attempting to transport more than 60 pounds of methamphetamines into the U.S., the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas announced Tuesday.
Cesar Alonzo Lopez Ruiz, 34, of Rosales, Mexico, pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. According to prosecutors, Lopez Ruiz was formerly a police officer in Mexico.
According to court documents, Lopez Ruiz attempted to cross into the U.S. at the Presidio Port of Entry, which connects Presidio, Texas, and Ojinaga, Chihuahua. A search of his vehicle revealed 50 packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the gas tank, weighing a total of 27.8 kilograms, or about 61.3 pounds.
Lopez Ruiz's sentencing was scheduled for Aug. 26. He faces 10 years to life in prison.
\--with reporting from TMX
