A federal investigation spanning four years has led to the sentencing of 18 individuals involved in a drug-trafficking organization responsible for transporting over 35,000 pounds of methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States. The drugs, with an estimated street value of $64 million, were moved primarily by semi-truck through Texas to Oklahoma City and other locations. The defendants have collectively been sentenced to more than 278 years in federal prison.
Robert J. Troester, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma, announced the sentences and stated: “The architects of this international drug-trafficking organization, who peddled more than 17 tons of deadly poison from Mexico into the United States, have now been held accountable. Coordinated law enforcement efforts led to the dismantling of this large-scale criminal enterprise and have protected Oklahomans from the death and destruction caused by these drugs. I commend the investigators and prosecutors for their tireless work on this case.”
Doug Goodwater, Special Agent in Charge at FBI Oklahoma City, said: “Collaboration between the FBI and our law enforcement partners is key to disrupting the criminal organizations that pollute our communities with dangerous drugs. By sending 18 associates of this high-volume drug-trafficking operation to prison, there is no question this joint effort has made Oklahoma neighborhoods and citizens much safer.”
The investigation concluded with charges filed on December 17, 2024 against several individuals including Juan Hernandez Flores and Jessica Guadalupe Muniz from Oklahoma City; Cesar Azamar Aguilar from Mexico; Denis Leal Gutierrez; and Adrian Narvaez Cruz from Texas. They faced various charges related to drug conspiracy and money laundering.
On April 18, 2025, following a nine-day trial, all five defendants were convicted on all counts.
Evidence presented during trial showed that since at least February 2021, members of the organization imported liquid methamphetamine hidden in gas tanks of semi-trucks. Denis Leal Gutierrez operated two trucking companies used for transporting shipments into Oklahoma. He was assisted by Cesar Azamar Aguilar in transferring drugs between trucks and Adrian Narvaez Cruz in directing drivers.
Authorities seized significant quantities of methamphetamine during the operation:
– 907 kilograms in Tecumseh (March 3, 2021)
– 92 kilograms in Oklahoma City (September 6, 2023)
– 615 kilograms in Wellston (December 8, 2023)
– 42 kilograms in Tecumseh (April 1, 2024)
– 86 kilograms in Newalla (April 2, 2024)
In addition to drugs, law enforcement recovered a semi-truck, firearms, cash totaling tens of thousands of dollars, and real estate properties.
Trial evidence also established extensive money laundering activities within the organization. A high-ranking member based in Mexico directed family members—including his brother Hernandez Flores and niece Muniz—to launder proceeds using methods such as CashApp payments disguised as legitimate transactions before wiring funds back to associates in Mexico. The group supplied methamphetamine to prison gangs such as Irish Mob Gang, Universal Aryan Brotherhood, and Sureños.
Sentences for those convicted ranged widely:
– Juan Hernandez Flores received a sentence of twelve years
– Jessica Guadalupe Muniz received two years
– Denis Leal Gutierrez was sentenced to thirty-five years
– Cesar Azamar Aguilar received just over eight years
– Adrian Narvaez Cruz was sentenced to thirty-one years
Other defendants received sentences ranging from six years up to twenty-two years or more depending on their roles within the operation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation alongside local police departments and Homeland Security Task Forces under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative coordinated by federal agencies aiming to combat transnational criminal organizations through collaborative efforts.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Snyder prosecuted the case.
Reference is made to public filings for additional information.
