A trucker has been convicted of a drug-related crime and is now facing up to life in prison.
The trial concluded on May 4 in Little Rock, Arkansas.
According to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, 56-year-old Javier Leon was convicted of possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. The California truck driver was carrying approximately 260 pounds of it, which is the biggest quantity of methamphetamine ever seized in the state.
Police officers seized the methamphetamine from Leon’s truck in 2015 after he parked illegally on an Interstate 40 exit ramp. Arkansas State Police Corporal Olen Craig, who has since retired, noticed this and a drug-detection dog was ultimately called for. The dog revealed that there were drugs in the truck and Cpl. Chase Melder ultimately discovered more than 240 pounds of methamphetamine in liquid form in addition to more than 22 pounds of it in powder form.
Acting U.S. Attorney Pat Harris said that testimony established that the methamphetamine had a possible street value of $7 million to $8 million. He said there was enough for 300,000 users.
Ultimately, the Arkansas State Police as well as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Little Rock Police Department and Lonoke County sheriff’s office were involved in the investigation.
Leon faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison. He could also be fined up to $10 million.
The AP reported that the trial lasted four days. Leon’s sentencing will take place on a later date.