A 43-year-old woman, Adriana Melendez-Calvillo, was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison on November 20, 2024, for her role in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking operation linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Melendez-Calvillo, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, pleaded guilty in November 2023 to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and money laundering. The charges stemmed from an investigation that began in September 2022 when law enforcement intercepted a call between Melendez-Calvillo and a co-conspirator discussing the logistics of a drug deal.
Following the call, agents observed Melendez-Calvillo meeting with co-conspirators David Garcia and Omar Gilliam at a fast food restaurant. The trio appeared to transfer drugs, which were later found in a duffle bag containing nearly 5 kilograms of methamphetamine.
Further investigation revealed that Melendez-Calvillo had significant ties to the CJNG cartel, including receiving shipments of meth, cocaine, and other drugs directly from Mexico. Authorities also found that she had transferred over $828,000 in drug proceeds to individuals in Mexico. Additionally, she attempted to smuggle large sums of U.S. currency, including $104,750 that was seized by law enforcement.
The investigation revealed Melendez-Calvillo’s involvement in trafficking over 1,000 pounds of cocaine, 41 kilograms of methamphetamine, and 7.8 kilograms of ice methamphetamine.
Her co-conspirators, including Garcia and Gilliam, face charges in connection to the operation, with Garcia set for sentencing in January 2025. Other defendants are awaiting trial, including three individuals who have entered guilty pleas.
The investigation was conducted by the DEA’s Dallas Field Division with assistance from several local police departments, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the IRS Criminal Investigations Section.
