Pedro Alvarado-Montiel is a confirmed member of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Sureños gang.
SAN ANTONIO — A Mexican national received a 262-month prison sentence in Del Rio federal court for conspiring to import methamphetamine, according to the Justice Department.
Documents show that Pedro Alvarado-Montiel aka “Pelon,” 42, was under investigation after being identified as drug trafficking facilitator. On Sept. 20, 2023, Alvarado-Montiel, a confirmed member of the Mexican Mafia-affiliated Sureños gang, was stopped for a traffic violation by a Bastrop County Sheriff’s deputy. After asking multiple questions, the deputy then searched the vehicle and discovered two clear, gallon-sized bags and one sandwich-sized bag containing “a black, sticky, tar-like substance.” The substance was sent to a Drug Enforcement Administration lab, where it was determined to be about two kilograms of heroin.
Later that day, DEA agents executed a search warrant on Alvarado-Montiel’s home in Dale and discovered a large amount of “black tar-like substance” in the kitchen. Investigators also found two 9mm handguns, ammunition, wire transfer receipts and other evidence. A different DEA lab test determined the substance found in the home was 2.1 kgs of heroin.
Alvarado-Montiel was charged with five counts on Dec. 6, 2023, including conspiracy to import methamphetamine, importation of methamphetamine, conspiracy to import heroin, importation of heroin and possession of heroin with intent to distribute. On May 20, 2024, Alvarado-Montiel pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import methamphetamine.
Co-defendant Horlando Depaz-Cruz, Jr., was arrested May 16, 2021, for transporting methamphetamine and heroin through the Del Rio Port of Entry. He plead guilty on July 31, 2023, and was sentenced Feb. 5, 2025, to 10 years in federal prison along with a $2,000 fine.
The DEA and ICE investigated the case with assistance from U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Val Verde County Sheriff’s Office.