Loaded Guns and Crystal Meth: Two Texas Men Sentenced

Two men in Texas have received their sentence after they were caught possessing nearly 300 pounds of crystal meth and several loaded firearms. 

A Shocking Traffic Stop

On June 17, 2025, two men, 24-year-old Edgar Prudencio Ruiz and 24-year-old Damian Lee Gutierrez, mistakenly delivered five kilograms (11 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine to an undercover cop in Houston. 

Thinking they had just made a successful sale, the two then traveled to their apartment, not knowing that they were being followed by law enforcement. Soon after, they were seen exiting the residence with a mysterious box. 

The two men drove away in a Toyota Tacoma, and the nearby officers conducted a traffic stop shortly thereafter. With the help of a K-9 unit, officers found the box that was taken from the apartment hidden in the passenger door. 

After opening the box, 10 gallon-sized bags filled with crystal meth were discovered inside. Along with the narcotics, two loaded 9mm pistols—one with an extended magazine—were discovered. 

Once questioned, Gutierrez admitted that there were more illegal drugs at their apartment. After obtaining a search warrant, officers searched the residence and indeed found about 122 more gallon-sized bags of crystal meth. 

In total, about 137 bags were seized totaling 133 kilograms (293 pounds) of meth. The estimated street value was over $200,000. 

13-Year Prison Sentences

It was discovered that the meth was imported from Mexico and the two already had prior involvement in shooting-related offenses. 

The jury didn't even deliberate for an hour before they found the two men guilty on November 18, 2025. Both Ruiz and Gutierrez were each sentenced to 162 months, or just over 13 and a half years, in prison.