Man arrested with 11.3 pounds of methamphetamines
March 14, 2011 9:51 PM
By LAURA B. MARTINEZ, The Brownsville Herald

A 20-year-old Mexican man remains in federal custody following his arrest on drug charges.

Omar Lerma, of Houston, was taken into custody Sunday at the Gateway International Bridge in Brownsville, after he was found with more than 5.125 kilograms, or 11.3 pounds, of methamphetamines, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in a press release.

Lerma appeared Monday before U.S. Magistrate Ronald J. Morgan on a charge of possession and conspiracy with intent to distribute methamphetamines.

He was denied bond and turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. He requested a court-appointed attorney, and his next appearance before Morgan is scheduled for March 17.

Authorities said U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents came in contact with Lerma at the bridge when he was attempting to drive a 2001 Nissan Sentra into the United States.

The vehicle was sent to secondary inspection after primary inspection revealed inconsistencies, authorities said.

After searching the vehicle, officers found 28 bundles of methamphetamines hidden inside. The drug has a street value of about $169,500.

Lerma was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigation special agents for further investigation. Officers with CBP seized the vehicle and the drugs.

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