Man sentenced to 8 years following drug sting

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A Mexican resident, who was residing in Houston, was sentenced for his involvement in possessing with the intent to distribute more than 17 ounces of meth, the United States Attorney announced.

On Aug. 26, 56-year-old Abiel Gudino-Garcia pleaded guilty to possession with the intent to distribute.

In April 2018, Gudino arranged to meet up with drug traffickers in Houston to receive 80 gallons of liquid meth, according to a news release from the US Attorney's Office.

However, the release states that Gudino was unaware that authorities had seized the shipment in the Rio Grande Valley before his planned delivery.

Gudino arrived at the meet-up with empty gasoline tanks ready to fill up and transport the meth, along with $15,000 for the purchase.

An undercover law enforcement officer arrived to meet up with Gudino, posing as a trafficker. The release stated the undercover officer handed Gudino what he believed to be meth.

Following the exchange, authorities followed Gudino to his residence as part of their ongoing investigation.

At the hearing, the court learned how Gudino initially claimed he had purchased diesel but when he was confronted with evidence, he realized authorities knew about his drug deal.

Chief U.S. District Judge Randy Crane ordered Gudino to serve eight years in federal prison.

Although Gudino was previously released on bond, he was taken into custody following his sentencing and will remain pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility.