At sentencing, evidence was presented that Smith sold methamphetamine to documented Norteno gang members, deposited money in bank accounts out of state, and directed others to travel to Nevada to pick up multi-pound shipments of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory determined that the methamphetamine imported to Idaho was 100 percent pure. Smith was found to be in possession of a stolen firearm at the time of her arrest. It was determined that during the conspiracy, Smith and her co-defendants kidnapped a customer at gunpoint in an effort to ensure payment for past methamphetamine sales.
“Methamphetamine trafficking, particularly to gang members, is a serious problem that demands a serious response from law enforcement, prosecutors and the courts,” said Olson. “Law enforcement has recently seen an alarming increase in high potency methamphetamine being imported into Idaho from California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. These defendants, appropriately, will pay a heavy price for bringing this dangerously addictive drug to Idaho communities. State and federal law enforcement officers throughout Idaho will continue to work together to ensure that drug traffickers and gang members are caught, prosecuted and convicted.”
Three co-defendants have previously been sentenced: Ricardo Mercado was sentenced to 188 months in prison; Ruben Arredondo Mora was sentenced to 120 months in prison; and Lorrie Ann Chavez was sentenced to 78 months in prison. Co-defendant Aron Herrera Gonzales is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2, 2011.
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