BOISE, Idaho – U.S. Attorney Josh Hurwit announced today the sentencing results of three separate drug distribution cases in Southern Idaho, with the combined sentences totaling over 21 years in federal prison. “The case results announced today reflect stellar work by our prosecutors and staff,” said U.S. Attorney Hurwit. “Together with our law enforcement partners, our office is rising to meet the challenge that drug trafficking poses to communities in Idaho. The partnerships that drive these cases will continue to make our state a terrible place for drug dealers to do business.”
Large Scale Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison
Luis M. Villalobos-Galdamez, 27, an immigrant from El Salvador residing in California at the time of his arrest, was sentenced by Senior U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill to 120 months in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. On May 16, 2023, a Deschutes County, Oregon detective alerted the Idaho State Police (ISP) about a car traveling from California to the Magic Valley suspected of carrying a large quantity of controlled substances. The investigation identified Villalobos-Galdamez as a significant methamphetamine supplier to Deschutes County and possibly Idaho. ISP detectives located the car and conducted a traffic stop, discovering 21.46 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in various compartments of the vehicle. Villalobos-Galdamez pleaded guilty to the federal charge in April 2024. Following his sentence, he will serve five years of supervised release and is expected to be deported to El Salvador. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Booker prosecuted the case.