Defendant Sentenced to 100 Months in Federal Prison for Smuggling Methamphetamine
I have a reason for Posting this otherwise non newsworthy piece on another drug smuggler smuggling one more batch: I would like readers feedback.
Is 95 POUNDS of pure crystal methamphetamine really only worth $80,000 USD wholesale ?
Is 100 months a fair sentence for a crime who’s maximum penalty is: life imprisonment and / or $10,000,000 fine. 10 Million US dollars. Plus it has taken nearly a year to sentence the defendant.
This is NOT an Op-ed, I am curious what our BB followers think.
Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office Southern District of California Wed, September 2, 2020
San Diego, Ca: Oscar Luna-Aquino was sentenced in federal court yesterday to 100 months in prison for importing methamphetamine into the United States. A jury found Luna-Aquino guilty after a two-day trial in February 2020.
At trial, the Government’s evidence established that Luna-Aquino drove a car into the United States at the San Ysidro, California, Port of Entry on October 16, 2019.
An inspection of the vehicle revealed 95 pounds of 99% pure methamphetamine concealed under the windshield and in the front fenders, rear quarter panels, and spare tire. The wholesale value of the methamphetamine was at least $80,000. The Government also presented evidence from Luna-Aquino’s cell phone showing that he not only knew of the drugs in his car on October 16, 2019 but also that he had successfully smuggled narcotics into the United States on three prior occasions.
When handing down the sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Larry A. Burns emphasized the large amount of methamphetamine, the prior smuggling incidents, and the danger of methamphetamine and the personal destruction the drug causes.
“The extremely potent meth smuggled from Mexico contributes to more deaths in San Diego County than opioids. And many deaths result from poly-drug use, most of which involve meth as a significant aggravating factor,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer.
“The sentence set forth today recognizes the severe harm meth inflicts on our community.” U.S. Attorney Brewer commended Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Olah and Seth Askins, as well as Homeland Security Investigations and Customs & Border Protection for their work on this case.
DEFENDANT Criminal Case No. 3:20-CR-439-LAB
Oscar Luna-Aquino Age: 34 Residence: Mexico
SUMMARY OF CHARGE
21 U.S.C. §§ 952/960
Maximum Penalties: life imprisonment; $10,000,000 fine.
INVESTIGATING AGENCIES: Homeland Security Investigations / Customs and Border Protection Assistant U.S. Attorneys Seth Askins and Eric R. Olah (619)546-7540 Press Release Number: CAS20-0901-Luna-Aquino. Updated September 2, 2020 from Sept 1, 2020
Department of Justice U.S. Attorney’s Office