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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
July 18, 2008
METHAMPHETAMINE SEIZED IN WICHITA , THREE MEN CHARGED IN KANSAS CITY, KAN.
KANSAS CITY, KAN. – An investigation that began with a traffic stop in Wichita led to charges filed Friday in federal court in Kansas City, Kan., against three men accused of trafficking in methamphetamine.
Charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine were Ricardo Valencia-Garcia, 44, of Mexico; Pedro Andrade-Madrez, 24, of Kansas City, Kan.; and Victor Loya-Cabrera, 34, of California.
In addition:
– Valencia-Garcia was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine
– Andrade-Madrez and Loya-Cabera were charged with one count of attempted possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
According to an investigator’s affidavit, on July 15, 2008, a Wichita police officer stopped Valencia-Garcia, who was driving a white Ford pickup with a license plate from Mexico. A search of the car turned up approximately 1.75 kilograms (about 3.75 gross pounds) of methamphetamine.
On July 16, 2008, agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration arranged for the methamphetamine to be delivered to Andrade and Loya-Cabrera at a residence in the 200 block of South Bethany in Kansas City, Kan.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
– Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life in federal prison and a fine up to $4 million.
– Attempted possession with intent to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and not more than life and a fine up to $4 million.
The Wichita Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Tris Hunt is prosecuting.
As in any criminal case, a person is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. The complaint merely contains allegations of criminal conduct.
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