Man attempts to smuggle $1.2 million of meth in lard jars, faces up to life in prison

LAREDO, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A man pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle $1.2 million worth of pure meth, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced.

On January 10, 62-year-old Eleazar Vilchiz Alonso attempted to enter the United States at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge while boarding a commercial bus, the USAO stated in a news release.

According to the release, authorities found several jars of lard in his luggage during a primary inspection.

An agricultural inspection was conducted and authorities found a "sandy substance" within the lard, which later tested positive for meth.

A total of 48 jars were found in several suitcases. Alonso told authorities he was going to deliver the jars to an address in Houston, the release stated.

A lab test later confirmed that the "sandy substance" found inside the jars was 100% pure meth. The total amount of meth found in the jars was 140 pounds which has an estimated worth of $1.29 million.

The U.S. District Judge Marina Garcia Marmolejo will impose sentencing on July 9.

Alonso faces up to life in federal prison and a $10 million fine for each count.