TEXAS — Federal agents arrested two San Antonio men Tuesday in connection with the discovery of more than 550 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a shipment of lettuce, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas.
Gerardo Pineda-Gallegos and Jose Lopez-Ruiz were identified in court documents as methamphetamine distributors accused of participating in the transportation, packaging, and distribution of narcotics.
Federal prosecutors said the two men were placed at a wholesale produce distribution warehouse on Dec. 15, 2025, where they allegedly received large shipments of methamphetamine concealed within produce.
According to a criminal complaint, investigators observed the suspects walking in and out of the warehouse multiple times before entering a cargo van and driving to an office space. Authorities said the methamphetamine was stored at that location and later prepared for distribution.
Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with the San Antonio Police Department High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas unit, executed a search warrant at the office space.
During the search, agents found 100 boxes containing fresh heads of lettuce and 998 ball-shaped packages of methamphetamine weighing a total of 555 kilograms, federal officials said.
Pineda-Gallegos and Lopez-Ruiz were each charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
