PHILADELPHIA — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)), published as received.
PHILADELPHIA – United States Attorney David Metcalf announced that Demetrio Lagunes-Xocua, 32, a Mexican national illegally in the United States, was sentenced this week to 120 months in prison and five years of supervised release by United States District Judge Nitza I. Quiñones Alejandro for his participation in a drug trafficking operation in which he transported a significant amount of methamphetamine across the country for distribution in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
The defendant was charged by indictment in May 2025 with possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm by an alien. In April of this year, Lagunes-Xocua pleaded guilty to both charges.
As detailed in court filings and statements, on April 20, 2024, in Upper Uwchlan Township, Chester County, the defendant was found to be driving a tractor trailer containing more than 100 pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Lagunes-Xocua subsequently admitted that he was driving from Colorado to Pennsylvania to deliver the load of drugs.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Pennsylvania State Police, and Chester County Detectives and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lindsey Mills.
