TOPEKA, KAN. – Three men who were arrested earlier this month in Saline County were indicted Wednesday on federal drug charges, according to U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom.
A grand jury in Topeka returned indictments against:
Adrian Ayala-Garcia, 23, a citizen of Mexico who has been living in Abilene, one count of possessing approximately 18 pounds of methamphetaminewith intent to distribute; one count of unlawful possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking; and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Eduardo Ponce-Serrano, 28, Salina, four counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 18 pounds of methamphetamine, and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Francisco Javier Carrillo-Elias, 25, who is not a citizen of the United States and who has been living in Salina, three counts of possession withintent to distribute cocaine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute 18 pounds of methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Upon conviction, the crimes carry the following penalties:
Possession with intent to distribute 18 pounds of methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million.
Unlawful possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking: Not less than five years and a fine up to $250,000.
Possession with intent to distribute cocaine: A maximum penalty of 20 years and a fine up to $1 million.
Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than five years and not more than 40 years and a fine up to $5 million.
Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine: Not less than 10 years and a fine up to $10 million.
The arrests were made after search warrants were executed on January 5th at three Salina homes and one home in Abilene. During the course of searches conducted at these homes, officer seized approximately 18 pounds of methamphetamine and numerous firearms. According to Saline County records, all three men are currently inmates of the Saline County Jail.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation, the Saline County Sheriff’s Office, the Salina Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigated. Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Hough is prosecuting.