United States Drug Enforcement Administration

ST. LOUIS – A man from Texas on Friday admitted selling 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine to an undercover Drug Enforcement Administration agent and giving the agent another kilogram of cocaine to sell.

On Aug. 16, 2022, Marco Chavira met with the agent in El Paso. Chavira believed the agent was a driver who would transport the drugs to St. Louis and Chicago. Chavira sold 1.4 kilograms of methamphetamine to the agent and “fronted” the agent a kilogram of cocaine, meaning he expected to be paid later for the cocaine.

Chavira, 35, of El Paso, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in St. Louis to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Chavira’s sentencing is set for Aug. 9. The charge carries a mandatory minimum prison sentence of five years and a maximum of 40 years. He could also face a fine of up to $5 million.

DEA investigated the case.