March 18, 2022 - PHOENIX, Ariz. – On Tuesday, March 15, 2022, a federal grand jury in Phoenix returned a four-count indictment against Cesar Alberto Palomares, 23, of Somerton, Arizona.

The indictment alleges four violations of United States law related to Palomares’ importation and intended distribution of methamphetamine. On January 27, 2022, Palomares is alleged to have entered the United States through San Luis, Arizona. At the Port of Entry, Customs and Border Protection Officers discovered over a hundred packages containing a white crystal-like substance that were hidden in Palomares’ car. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine and the combined weight of the packages was over 150 pounds.

An indictment is simply a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity and raises no inference of guilt. An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Homeland Security Investigations-Yuma conducted the investigation in this case. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

CASE NUMBER:           CR-22-158-PHX-GMS
RELEASE NUMBER:    2022-024_Palomares

Source: DOJ Release