Bust yields 6 pounds of meth
By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times
Posted: 01/31/2009 12:00:00 AM MST


Some of the meth seized. (Courtesy of the DEA)El PASO -- An uncommon amount of crystal meth -- 6 pounds -- was seized and three men were arrested Friday evening by a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Task Force during a bust in a parking lot near El Paso International Airport.

The 6 pounds of crystal methamphetamine was rare not only because of its size but because of its high level of purity, estimated 80 to 90 percent pure, said DEA spokes man Matthew Taylor.

"Usually, we see ounces or grams," Taylor said.

Once cut, the drug could be worth an estimated $1 million.

The bust was made when three men met with undercover agents in a parking lot near Montana Avenue and Airway Boulevard, Taylor said.

The three tried to drive away but were blocked. They then attempted to run but were caught, officials said. The meth was allegedly found in the vehicle.

They were identified as Hipolito Rivera Marquez 38, of Torreon, Mexico; Mario Guerra Gomez, 32, of Juárez; and Ismael Valdez, 18, of the 11500 block of Villa del Mar in Socorro, jail log and officials said. All were arrested on drug charges.

Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com


http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_11595504


In the picture shown this stuff looks just like ice ...