ALPINE, Texas - A Mexican national, formerly a Mexican police officer, pleaded guilty in a federal court in Alpine to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court documents, Cesar Alonzo Lopez Ruiz, 34, of Rosales, Mexico, attempted to enter the United States from Mexico at the Presidio Point of Entry. A search revealed 50 packages of methamphetamine hidden inside the gas tank of his vehicle. The total weight of the meth was approximately 27.8 kilograms.

Lopez Ruiz pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Aug. 26 and faces a penalty of 10 years to life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza of the Western District of Texas made the announcement.

Homeland Security Investigations and Customs and Border Protection are investigating the case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Scott Greenbaum and Amy Greenbaum are prosecuting the case.

###