Man attempts to smuggle meth in shoes, gets 10 years in federal prison

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — An Edinburg resident has been sentenced for smuggling meth inside a pair of shoes, the United States Attorney announced.

Oscar Salazar, 30, pleaded guilty on Aug. 4, 2022, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

On Dec. 11, 2020, Salazar attempted to cross back to the United States through the Hidalgo Port of Entry.

During a secondary inspection, agents found multiple packages of meth hidden in the center console, glove compartment and a pair of shoes, according to the release.

"The meth weighed approximately three pounds with an estimated street value of $5,000," U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani said.

The United States District Chief Judge Randy Crane has ordered Salazar to serve up to 10 years in federal prison.

According to the release, Salazar had prior criminal history including a felony conviction for trafficking marijuana through a border patrol checkpoint.

Salazar is pending transfer to the U.S. Bureau of Prisons Facility.