Mexican wrestler pleads guilty to smuggling more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine through South Texas

LAREDO, Texas — A Mexican wrestler pleaded guilty Thursday to importing more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine into the United States.

This guilty plea was announced by U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick, Southern District of Texas. This investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with the assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).  

Jose Ramos-Delgadillo, 32, from Mexico, pleaded guilty Oct. 3 to two counts – conspiracy to import, and importing methamphetamine.

According to court documents, on Aug. 4, 2019, Ramos-Delgadillo, driving a Ford Escape, attempted to enter the United States in Laredo at the Juarez-Lincoln International Bridge. An initial search of his car yielded 24 bundles of methamphetamine concealed within the tires. However, U.S. authorities also discovered an additional 19 bundles in the vehicle’s firewall. Upon questioning, Ramos-Delgadillo claimed he was a wrestler from Guadalajara, Mexico, who was traveling to Dallas to visit a friend. He soon admitted he knew there were narcotics in the vehicle. He expected to be paid $5,000 for transporting the drugs. The drugs weighed a total of 53.56 kilograms (118 pounds) with an approximate street value of more than $300,000.  

U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana will impose sentencing at a later date. At that time, Ramos-Delgadillo faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as a possible $10 million fine. Ramos-Delgadillo remains in federal custody pending that hearing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Day, Southern District of Texas, is prosecuting this case.