United States Drug Enforcement Administration

McALLEN, Texas – A 20-year-old McAllen resident has been ordered to federal prison for his role in a meth conspiracy, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Daniel C. Comeaux and Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Jose Edmundo Corona pleaded guilty June 3.

Today, U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered him to serve a 168-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Crane noted Corona’s role in the conspiracy.

Between September and October 2020, authorities intercepted multiple FedEx packages destined for Houston, Dallas and Atlanta at their shipping center in Pharr. All of the parcels packages were shipped in identical boxes with similar packaging styles. A search ultimately revealed a total of 45 kilograms of crystal meth

Surveillance footage determined Corona was the individual who placed the packages for delivery at various mailing centers throughout the Rio Grande Valley as well as paid for the shipping costs. Fingerprint analysis helped to determine Corona not only mailed the packages but also prepared the narcotics within the packages.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $300,000.

Corona will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura M. Garcia prosecuted the case.