Man sentenced for attempting to smuggle shoebox full of crystal meth

SAN ANTONIO - A 23-year-old suspect has been sentenced to prison after attempting to smuggle a shoebox full of meth across the southern border.

On Tuesday, Jesse James Gonzelez was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison by a federal judge after pleading guilty to drug trafficking charges in September of 2023.

On Nov. 29, 2022, Gonzalez attempted to cross into the United States at the Donna Port of Entry, carrying a shoebox containing two packages of crystal meth.

Upon inspection and discovery by border officers, Gonzalez admitted to having "ice" in the shoebox.

"People who persist in importing large quantities of crystal meth in unusual ways, in this case via shoebox, should expect to suffer harsh consequences," said Special Agent in Charge, Craig Larrabee, HSI San Antonio. "HSI will continue to bring to justice those proven to be engaged in the trafficking of dangerous controlled substances."

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, as well as Customs and Border Protection.