A Mexican national has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, according to an announcement by U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
Eustorgio Quiroz-Salto, 41, pleaded guilty on July 11, 2024. U.S. District Judge Alfred H. Bennett sentenced him to 240 months in federal prison and ordered the forfeiture of all weapons and ammunition seized during the investigation. Quiroz-Salto is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his sentence. The court also reviewed evidence regarding his prior cocaine trafficking convictions from the Southern District of Florida in 2011.
“Public safety begins with taking the most dangerous recidivists off the street,” said Ganjei. “When a defendant, like the one here, illegally enters our country three times, engages in drug trafficking despite having prior drug convictions, and illegally possesses firearms, he better believe we’re going to come looking for him.”
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan C. Pullen of the DEA – Houston Division commented on the arrest: “Not only was Quiroz-Salto in the country illegally, but when Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents arrested him, they uncovered a substantial amount of methamphetamine destined for our communities,” said Pullen. “He was caught in the act, selling deadly drugs near a place of worship, and now he’ll spend two decades behind bars paying the price for his reckless actions that threatened to destroy lives.”
Authorities reported that on December 12, 2023, Quiroz-Salto arranged a delivery of over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine at a church parking lot in Crosby. He arrived with Manuel Varjas Corona; both were arrested at the scene where multiple kilograms of narcotics were seized from their vehicle.
Following this arrest, law enforcement searched Quiroz-Salto’s residence and found an additional 93.5 kilograms of methamphetamine along with 12 firearms, a silencer, hundreds of rounds of live ammunition, and firearm parts.
Quiroz-Salto had previously been removed from the United States in both 2007 and 2008 but returned illegally each time. He will remain in custody until he is transferred to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility.
Corona also pleaded guilty for his role and awaits sentencing; he faces up to life imprisonment.
The case was investigated by DEA with support from several agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Homeland Security Investigations; FBI; Harris County Sheriff’s Office; and Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Shelley J. Sullivan prosecuted the case.
