MAN FOUND GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING METHAMPHETAMINE AND CONTINUING CRIMINAL ENTERPRISE

Following a four-day federal jury trial, a Mexican national illegally living in the Idaho Falls area has been found guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and a continuing criminal enterprise. Ivan Arredondo-Meza's sentencing is set for July 3, 2008, at the federal courthouse in Pocatello.

Arredondo-Meza's prosecution was part of a larger investigation known as "Golden Spike." Its purpose was to dismantle a drug organization responsible for distributing approximately 15 pounds of methamphetamine per month. The investigation took almost two years to complete and was conjointly investigated by agents of the Idaho State Police Investigations, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Bonneville and Jefferson County Sheriff's Offices, together with the Idaho Falls, and Rexburg Police Departments.

In Idaho, a federal grand jury indictment was returned on October 23, 2007, charging 12 people with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Of those indicted, Arredondo-Meza, 28, was the only one to go to trial. Nine others have pleaded guilty. Two, Jesus Castaneda and Linda Jaurgui, are fugitives. Arredondo-Meza directed others in the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in the Upper Snake River Valley. Much of the methamphetamine came from the Mexican State of Sinaloa through California and Nevada.

A press conference will be held at the Bonneville County Sheriff 's Department on April 28, 2008 at 1:00 p.m.