Amarillo Men Face Lengthy Federal Prison Terms After Admitting They Trafficked Large Quantity of Liquid Methamphetamine
AMARILLO, TX - September 28, 2015 - Richard Madrigal, 42, and Damian Erik Alcala, 37, both of Amarillo, Texas, appeared this morning in federal court before U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson and each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney John Parker of the Northern District of Texas.
Each has been in federal custody since his arrest this summer on a related federal criminal complaint. Each faces a statutory penalty of not less than 10 years and up to life in federal prison and a $10 million fine. A sentencing date was not set.
According to documents filed in the case, law enforcement learned that a green Chevy Blazer, with Chihuahua registration, was to arrive in Amarillo from El Paso, Texas, and that the vehicle was transporting a methamphetamine solution concealed in its fuel tank. On July 17, 2015, law enforcement observed Alcala, driving a white Toyota Camry, and Madrigal, driving a green Chevy Blazer, arrive at a residence on Houston Street in Amarillo. Shortly thereafter, both left the residence in the white Camry. Several minutes later, they returned to the residence and Madrigal left in the white Camry. When officers with the Amarillo Police Department arrived to secure the residence, Alcala fled on foot. Officers with the Amarillo Police Department apprehended Madrigal and brought him back to the residence.
During the subsequent execution of a search warrant at the residence, law enforcement found three Tupperware containers containing crystal methamphetamine in the kitchen. Two semi-automatic pistols were also found in the residence.
When law enforcement searched the green Chevy Blazer that was parked in the garage, they removed its fuel tank and extracted approximately 84 pounds of liquid methamphetamine from the fuel tank.
The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Amarillo Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Texas Department of Public Safety are investigating. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto is in charge of the prosecution.
U.S. Attorney’s Office
Northern District of Texas
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