Texas woman sentenced to 24 years for drug trafficking following HSI, federal partner investigation

DEL RIO, Texas — A Fort Worth woman was sentenced in federal court to over 24 years in prison for her role in a conspiracy to import methamphetamine into the United States following an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) with assistance from HSI Dallas and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Sally Renae Smith, 54, was sentenced Feb. 6 to 292 months in prison. She pleaded guilty July 21, 2022.

“HSI will continue to aggressively pursue narcotics traffickers,” said HSI San Antonio Special Agent in Charge Craig Larrabee. “Our work is not done, and our resolve in attacking the drug trade is as strong as ever. HSI will continue to investigate, arrest and prosecute those involved in narcotics trafficking to keep our communities safe.”

According to court documents, Smith conspired with others to import 3.422 kilograms of 100% pure methamphetamine. She exchanged text messages with a co-conspirator trafficking methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico who instructed her to drive to her motel room in Del Rio after she made it through the point of entry.

Smith was arrested Sept. 8, 2020, and has remained in federal custody since then. Her three co-conspirators also pleaded guilty and remain in federal custody awaiting sentencing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Rex Beasley prosecuted the case.

“This prison sentence of more than two decades is indicative of how serious we are in dismantling these drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Texas Jaime Esparza. “Thank you to our partners at Homeland Security Investigations for their work in the investigation of this case. Importing illicit drugs into this country has severe consequences, which alongside our law enforcement partners, we will enforce.”

HSI is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, specifically those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance move. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 special agents assigned to 237 cities throughout the United States, and 93 overseas locations in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’ largest investigative law enforcement presence abroad and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.

Source: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE.gov)