California Man Sentenced For Intent To Distribute 29 Kilograms Of Methamphetamine
TRENTON, N.J. - Carl J. Kotowski, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division, and William E. Fitzpatrick, Acting U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey, announced a South Gate, California, man who was arrested with 29 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a tractor trailer was sentenced today to 63 months in prison.
Tomas Lopez Beltran, 46, previously pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Brian R. Martinotti to an information charging him with one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Judge Martinotti imposed the sentence today in Trenton federal court.
On Oct. 28, 2016, law enforcement lawfully searched a tractor trailer driven by Beltran and recovered approximately 29 kilograms of methamphetamine and $73,500.00 in cash from a concealed compartment located inside the cab of the trailer. Beltran admitted that he intended to distribute the methamphetamine and cash to an individual in Georgia.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Martinotti sentenced Beltran to three years of supervised release.
Acting U.S. Attorney Fitzpatrick credited special agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Carl J. Kotowski in Newark, with the investigation.
