United States Drug Enforcement Administration

TRENTON, N.J. - - Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent-in-Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, and William E. Fitzpatrick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey announced a South Gate, California man today admitted his intent to distribute over 29 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a tractor trailer he was driving, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick announced.

Tomas Lopez Beltran, 45, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti in Trenton federal court to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

On Oct. 28, 2016, law enforcement lawfully searched a tractor trailer driven by Beltran and recovered approximately 29 kilograms of methamphetamine and $73,500 in cash from a concealed compartment located inside the cab of the trailer. Beltran admitted today that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and cash to an individual in Georgia.

The count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine carries a minimum potential penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum potential penalty of life in prison. Sentencing will be scheduled at a later date.