TUCSON, Ariz. — On Aug. 8, a southern Arizona man was sentenced to 70 months in prison, followed by 36 months of supervised release as the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Rey Moreno-Vasquez, 52, of Douglas, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Cindy K. Jorgenson; he previously pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

“While some may mistakenly view smuggling controlled substances, and in this case, in liquid form, as a pathway to a quick profit, the sentencing of this defendant demonstrates that grave consequences await those who participate in this criminal activity,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge, HSI Phoenix. “HSI is firmly committed to dismantling criminal organizations who blatantly ignore the laws of this nation.”

In March 2017, law enforcement officers seized a load of liquid methamphetamine hidden in 52 sealed beverage bottles that were being transported in a vehicle in the southeastern United States. HSI special agents later learned that Moreno-Vasquez was involved in a conspiracy to traffic liquid methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States.

The investigation led to a second seizure in Arizona in August 2017, in which the liquid methamphetamine was being smuggled in a recreational vehicle destined for Atlanta, Georgia. The liquid methamphetamine was hidden in bottles labeled as iced tea, juice, and ginger ale. The total amount seized by law enforcement was approximately 234 kilograms.

HSI

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