2023-05-25 1
On May 25th, 2023, Amarillo RO Agents were contacted by a cooperating source regarding drug distribution activity taking place within the city of Amarillo. According to the source, a couple from the state of California had moved to Amarillo, Texas in the recent months and have been dealing methamphetamine in mail packaging from the US Postal Service to local drug dealers around Amarillo, Texas.
The source provided a description of the male and female and added that the couple would be arriving that evening to a residence located in the 4200 block of SW 10th Avenue in an Uber to deliver several pounds of methamphetamine to a local drug dealer. Further, the source provided a detailed description of the dealers describing the male as being a tall and slender, bald Hispanic male with large tattoos on his face who would be accompanied by a Hispanic a female in her mid-to-late thirties. The source stated that the methamphetamine transported by the male and female would be likely delivered in a mail package.
Upon receiving the information, Law Enforcement established surveillance of the area to watch for the arrival of an Uber transporting two passengers matching the description provided by the source. During the surveillance, TFO Kris Koval and Texas DPS CID SA Ben Dollar observed a silver-colored SUV arrive to the residence carrying two passengers in the backseat.
When the passengers exited the vehicle, TFO Koval and SA Dollar recognized the couple based on the description provided by the source. The female, later identified as Mayra PEREZ, exited the vehicle carrying a large purse in one hand and a USPS mail package in the other. TFO Koval and SA Dollar approached the male and female wearing large ballistic vests equipped with law enforcement placards and badges prominently displayed to identify themselves as law enforcement agents.
TFO Koval ordered the female to place the package on the ground and she complied. While being contacted, PEREZ's male companion, later identified as Joel LOPEZ, fled without warning, attempting to escape the detention. SA Dollar and TFO Koval pursued the male and apprehended him a short distance later.
During a recorded and mirandized interview, PEREZ admitted the packages found in her possession contained approximately 2 pounds of methamphetamine. PEREZ stated that that her purse contained more methamphetamine. PEREZ declined to answer any further questions regarding the investigation without an attorney present. TFO Koval also interviewed LOPEZ regarding his level of involvement. LOPEZ denied knowing PEREZ was in possession of methamphetamine.
As part of the investigation, Amarillo RO Agents obtained a search warrant for the apartment of PEREZ and LOPEZ. A search of the apartment yielded several items of packaging, indicia belonging to PEREZ and LOPEZ, detailed drug ledgers, bulk US Currency, scales, containers, methamphetamine, marijuana, paraphernalia, and other tools commonly used in the distribution of methamphetamine. Additionally, law enforcement located gallon sized bags with a crystal-like residue, an indication that larger quantities of methamphetamine was present inside the home.