Brownsville woman sentenced for attempting to smuggle meth

Jennifer Santamaria pleaded guilty May 13.

Today, U.S. District Judge Fernando Rodriguez Jr. ordered her to serve a 120-month sentence to be immediately followed by five years of supervised release. In handing down the sentence, Judge Rodriguez noted the seriousness of the offense.

On Jan. 22, Santamaria attempted to make entry into the United States through the Gateway International Bridge Port of Entry in Brownsville. During inspection, law enforcement discovered anomalies in the vehicle. Further examination lead authorities to find approximately 22 foil-wrapped packages weighing a total of 94.18 kilograms that tested positive for the characteristics of meth.

The drugs had an estimated street value of $500,000.

Santamaria will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Coronado prosecuted the case.