Mission Man Sentenced For Possession Of Pure Meth
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A 38-year-old resident of Mission has been ordered to prison for 120 months following his conviction of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, announced Drug Enforcement (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney Kenneth Magidson. Jose Manuel Ochoa pleaded guilty April 7, 2016.
Today, U.S. District Judge Nelva Gonzalez Ramos sentenced Ochoa to 10 years in federal prison to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release.
On Dec. 18, 2105, Ochoa drove a motor vehicle into the Falfurrias checkpoint for a primary inspection, after which a service K9 alerted to the presence of contraband coming from the vehicle. Authorities performed an x-ray examination and soon identified anomalies in the rear quarter panel. Eight bundles of methamphetamine were found inside, wrapped in foil and cellophane. Laboratory analysis determined the drugs weighed 2.8 kilograms and had a purity level of 99%.
Ochoa will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be designated in the near future.
The Drug Enforcement Administration and Border Patrol conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lance Watt is prosecuting the case.
