Mexican Citizen in Houston Sentenced to 19+ Years for Meth Distribution from Barber Shop

A 45-year-old Mexican citizen residing in Houston illegally has been sentenced to more than 19 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute nearly 50 kilograms of narcotics, according to U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Merbin Leodan Inestroza-Perez pleaded guilty on October 6, and U.S. District Judge David Hittner handed down the sentence. As Inestroza-Perez is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings after serving his sentence.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Hittner emphasized the negative impact of drugs on the community and questioned Inestroza-Perez’s family members about their knowledge of the extent of the narcotics quantity. The court noted the seizure of 500 grams of fentanyl and its potential deadly effects.

The investigation revealed that Inestroza-Perez was distributing meth from a local barber shop in Houston. On March 25, 2022, law enforcement conducted a controlled delivery of 111 grams of meth and subsequently searched his residence, discovering 30 kilograms of cocaine, nearly 18 kilograms of meth, over 500 grams of fentanyl, and eight firearms. The total street value of the narcotics was estimated at $850,000.

Authorities also found that Inestroza-Perez was collaborating with individuals in South Texas. The other conspirators have been convicted and are awaiting sentencing.

Inestroza-Perez will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility, with the Drug Enforcement Administration leading the investigation, assisted by the Texas Department of Public Safety and Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.