Sinaloa Cartel Driver Convicted for Role in Drug Trafficking Operation
VICTORIA, Texas – A 51-year-old Harlingen resident has been convicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Division Brian Leardo and U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The jury deliberated for less than an hour before convicting Jimenez James Love guilty following a two-day trial.
“For too long, the Sinaloa Cartel and other foreign terrorist organizations relied on drug couriers to finance their campaigns of violence and terror. That ends now,” said Ganjei. “By transporting the hidden narcotics, Love engaged in the calculated deception cartels have used to flood our streets with these poisons. His conviction demonstrates my office’s resolve to dismantle the financial networks that sustain these terrorists.”
The investigation began June 30, 2021, when law enforcement discovered Love was transporting methamphetamine and fentanyl concealed in the gas tank of his girlfriend’s vehicle.
At trial, the jury heard how authorities had conducted a traffic stop and discovered approximately 11 kilograms of methamphetamine and 5.32 kilograms of fentanyl.
Love was hired as a driver to transport drugs for the Sinaloa Cartel. Love’s load was one of many shipments this arm of the organization had made. Testimony revealed that the number of shipments was so vast that an accurate number of shipments could not be determined. However, evidence revealed the single load of fentanyl that Love was carrying contained over two million potential lethal doses.
The defense attempted to convince the jury that Love was not involved in an ongoing drug trafficking operation. The jury did not believe the claims and found him guilty as charged.
U.S. District Judge Drew B. Tipton presided over the trial and set sentencing for April 17. At that time, Love faces up to life in federal prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine on both conspiracy counts.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Patti Hubert Booth prosecuted the case.
