A federal jury has convicted five individuals connected to a drug trafficking organization for their involvement in transporting liquid methamphetamine into Oklahoma City. Juan Hernandez, Jessica Muniz, Denis Leal Gutierrez, Cesar Azamar, and Adrian Narvaez have been found guilty for their roles in the organization that moved meth in semi-trucks from Mexico through Texas to Oklahoma.
U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester stated, "Coordinating their drug trafficking scheme across international borders and state lines, these defendants flooded our state with methamphetamine worth millions of dollars.”
The group, alongside high-ranking members from Mexico, was involved in importing the narcotics, hiding them in semi-truck gas tanks, and laundering the proceeds. FBI Oklahoma City Special Agent in Charge Doug Goodwater commented on the successful collaboration among law enforcement agencies which dismantled the operation.
The defendants, indicted on December 17, 2024, faced various charges, including drug and money laundering conspiracies. Evidence showed Gutierrez’s companies, DGC Express Co. and Dare Express Co., were responsible for transporting the methamphetamine, with operations linked to Oklahoma since February 2021. During the investigation, significant meth seizures were made by law enforcement.
The trial underlined the DTO’s network, revealing connections to Oklahoma prison gangs. Payments for methamphetamine were made to Hernandez and Muniz, who subsequently wired them to Mexico.
Following the convictions, Gutierrez, Azamar, and Narvaez could face life sentences and fines up to $10 million. Hernandez and Muniz face penalties for money laundering that could lead to 20-year sentences and substantial fines.
Additional prosecutions resulted in convictions and sentences for associated individuals, tallying the DTO’s meth contribution to around 16,000 kilograms valued at $64 million.
The case, part of Operation Take Back America, involved multiple agencies, targeting cartels and criminal organizations. The operation is an effort by the Department of Justice aimed at eliminating transnational criminal operations.
For further details, reference is made to public records.