Victor Garcia, a resident of Palmdale, California, has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for drug trafficking. The announcement was made by Jonathan D. Ross, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas. The sentence was issued by United States District Judge D.P. Marshall Jr.
Garcia, aged 43, faced a superseding indictment from a federal grand jury on April 5, 2023. He was charged with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. On November 4, 2024, Garcia pleaded guilty to the charge.
The case began when the Conway Police Department conducted a traffic stop on December 21, 2022. During the stop, officers discovered Garcia had a federal warrant for drug distribution out of California. A pat-down search revealed a methamphetamine pipe in his possession and he admitted to having marijuana in the vehicle's center console. Inconsistencies in stories told by Garcia and his passenger led officers to search further.
Officers found that the vehicle's carpeting appeared altered and upon inspection uncovered an after-market hidden compartment containing over 20 kilograms of pure methamphetamine in five vacuum-sealed bags.
Judge Marshall sentenced Garcia to serve 168 months in federal prison and imposed five years of supervised release following his prison term. The federal system does not allow parole.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI with help from the Conway Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Erin O’Leary.