United States Drug Enforcement Administration

BRUNSWICK, GA:  A jury convicted a Mexican national illegally living in Hazlehurst, Georgia at trial for receiving a package from Jalisco, Mexico containing over two kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine.

Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, of Mexico, was convicted of Possession and Attempt to Possess with Intent to Distribute 500 grams or more of Methamphetamine following a jury trial in the Southern District of Georgia, said Tara M. Lyons, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Georgia. The Defendant is facing a mandatory minimum sentence of at least ten years and up to life imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

During testimony and evidence produced during the trial the Government established that on September 12, 2024, the Defendant attempted to receive a package directly from Mexico containing what was described as a horse saddle. Before the package was delivered, law enforcement agents removed the saddle and discovered over two kilograms of pure methamphetamine that had been hidden inside. The package was then delivered to the Defendant by law enforcement under the guise of a United States Postal delivery. The Defendant accepted the package from law enforcement and brought it inside his residence.

“This case represents the continued commitment of the DEA to identify and hold accountable those who engage in the distribution of dangerous drugs,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “Keeping our communities safe is our highest priority.”

“This conviction sends a strong message to those who attempt to smuggle dangerous narcotics into our communities,” said Steven N. Schrank, the Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama. “Thanks to the dedicated collaboration between HSI and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local levels, we were able to disrupt a major methamphetamine trafficking operation and hold the perpetrator accountable.” 

“This conviction highlights the critical role Customs and Border Protection plays in disrupting the transnational flow of deadly narcotics,” said Zachary Thomas, Acting Director of Field Operations for CBP Atlanta. “We remain steadfast in our commitment to working with our law enforcement partners at every level to safeguard our communities from the scourge of illicit drugs.”

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigation, Customs and Border Protection, and the Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted for the United States by Southern District of Georgia Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief Greg Gilluly.

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