Luis Eduardo Pineda-Zarao, 29, a Mexican citizen living in Lebanon, Tennessee, was convicted Wednesday by a federal jury for his role in a $4.7 million conspiracy to distribute over 335 kilograms of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms of heroin in the Kansas City metro area and across the U.S., according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Missouri.
The indictment alleges that Pineda-Zarao was part of a conspiracy responsible for distributing more than 335.5 kilograms of methamphetamine, valued at approximately $300 per ounce, and over 22.1 kilograms of heroin, with a street value of $1,500 per ounce.
Federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations conducted undercover operations as part of the investigation, according to the indictment, which led to the seizure of $610,400 in bulk cash and the recovery of over 56 kilograms of methamphetamine and 5.5 kilograms of heroin.
The indictment also details two undercover bulk cash pickups totaling $308,775 and the confiscation of eight firearms, including two stolen weapons. Law enforcement seized an additional $277,863 during a vehicle stop and $114,863 while executing search warrants at four Kansas City residences, the indictment states.