A U.S. citizen living in Reynosa, Mexico, has admitted to possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Marco Antonio Rodriguez, 20, was stopped at the Falfurrias Border Patrol checkpoint while driving a Ford Escape on April 25. He told authorities he was traveling to Corpus Christi to seek employment. Officers noted that he did not have any personal belongings or work tools in his vehicle.
An x-ray scan of the vehicle revealed irregularities in the rear quarter panels. Authorities then found aftermarket compartments containing 90 black bundles of methamphetamine wrapped in clear cellophane. The total weight of the drugs was 47.5 kilograms and laboratory analysis showed a purity level of 99%.
Rodriguez acknowledged as part of his plea that he had collected the vehicle from a residence in Reynosa before heading toward the port of entry and that he knew he was transporting drugs intended for delivery and unloading in Corpus Christi.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 11, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Ramos. Rodriguez could face up to life imprisonment and a maximum fine of $250,000.
He remains in custody until sentencing.
The investigation was conducted by Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith prosecuted the case.
