A 60-year old Mexicali man has been charged with smuggling over 1,300 pounds of methamphetamine.
Jose Guadalupe Aviles-Cordero was arraigned by Magistrate Ruth Bermudez Montenegro on charges of importing 1,309 pounds of methamphetamine , 9.37 pounds of heroin , and 2.64 pounds of cocaine. Aviles-Cordero was arrested Wednesday at the Calexico East Commercial Port of Entry.
Aviles-Cordero was driving a big rig with an empty trailer as it approached the cargo facility. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers detected anomalies in the roof of the empty trailer. Further investigation led to the discovery of the hidden narcotics. A detention hearing is scheduled for December 11, 2018 and a preliminary hearing on December 20, 2018 before Judge Montenegro. Aviles-Cordero is charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance and faces a maximum penalty of 10 years to life.