Federal authorities announced Tuesday that two San Antonio men have been arrested on criminal charges alleging their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, Gerardo Pineda-Gallegos and Jose Lopez-Ruiz are accused of participating in the transportation, packaging, and distribution of narcotics. A criminal complaint states the two men were identified as distributors connected to shipments of methamphetamine concealed within fresh produce.

Allegations Tied to Produce Warehouse Activity

Court documents allege that on Dec. 15, 2025, Pineda-Gallegos and Lopez-Ruiz were present at a wholesale produce distribution warehouse where they received shipments containing methamphetamine hidden inside fresh produce. Investigators claim the men entered and exited the warehouse multiple times before loading items into a cargo van and driving to an office space.

Authorities allege the office location was used to store the concealed narcotics and prepare them for distribution.

Search Warrant Execution and Drug Trafficking Seizure

On Feb. 3, federal agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation—along with officers assigned to the San Antonio Police Department’s High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas unit—executed a court-authorized search warrant at the office space referenced in the complaint.

During the search, agents reported locating approximately 100 boxes containing fresh heads of lettuce. Investigators allege that a search of the produce revealed 998 ball-shaped packages of methamphetamine with a combined weight of about 555 kilograms.

Charges and Potential Penalties

Pineda-Gallegos and Lopez-Ruiz were arrested and charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convicted, each faces a potential sentence ranging from 10 years to life in federal prison, along with a possible fine of up to $10 million. Any sentence would be determined by a federal district judge after consideration of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Agencies Involved in the Investigation

The investigation is being conducted by the DEA and FBI as part of the Homeland Security Task Force, with assistance from the San Antonio Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Nowinski.

Federal officials stated the matter is connected to Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative involving joint operations led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security targeting transnational criminal organizations and related criminal activity.

A criminal complaint contains allegations only, and all individuals charged are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

---

---

Disclaimer

The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented. 

Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.

A Couple of Our Other Reads

You may be interested in our publishing about a Texas judge filing a lawsuit over same-sex wedding refusals.

Or you may find our publishing on a TABC agent receiving a stipend for a degree he didn’t hold, of interest. 

Follow Us on Social Media

If you are interested in staying updated on matters about your government in Texas and other important stories, trust The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News to provide reliable information that matters to you. You can follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, and LinkedIn to stay connected and informed.

FACEBOOK: TheHawksEyeNews
INSTAGRAM: Hawk_s_Eye_C_and_N
X: TheHawksEyeNews
REDDIT: TheHawksEyeCN
YOUTUBE: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
TUMBLR: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
LINKEDIN: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News

---