Illegal Alien Transnational Drug Trafficking Leader Receives 12 years in Federal Prison
HOUSTON – A 26-year-old Mexican national who illegally resided in Houston has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge of the Houston Division Brian Leardo and U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Andres Reyes-Morales pleaded guilty Oct. 31, 2024.
U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett has now ordered Reyes-Morales to serve 144 months in federal prison. Not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
The investigation began in November 2022 when authorities identified Reyes-Morales as a member of a transnational criminal organization. The organization was responsible for smuggling and distributing methamphetamine from Mexico into South Texas and on to Houston. Reyes-Morales was a conversion lab operator, courier and facilitator.
As part of an undercover operation, authorities purchased approximately five kilograms of methamphetamine from Reyes-Morales. He then coordinated with Moices Moreno-Marin and Franciso Reyes Solorzano-Duarte to complete the deliveries.
On April 14, 2023, authorities executed a search warrant at Reyes-Morales’ residence and seized approximately one kilogram of methamphetamine concealed in a shoe box in a bedroom closet.
Reyes-Morales admitted the narcotics belonged to him.
Moreno-Marin, 38, and Solorzano-Duarte, 27, also Mexican nationals, pleaded guilty for their roles and were sentenced to 36 and 54 months in prison, respectively.
Reyes-Morales will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Day prosecuted the case.
