OMAHA, Neb. Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) Kansas City Taekuk Cho and United States Attorney Steven Russell announced a federal jury in the District of Nebraska on January 27 found Gilberto Aguilar-Beltran, 46, a resident in Omaha, convicted of conspiracy to sell methamphetamine and possession for the purpose of dealing methamphetamine.
On May 12, 2021, Omaha Police observed Aguilar-Beltran, driving a Jeep Grand Cherokee, encounter two people driving a black SUV at a Taco Bell on South 42nd Street. A male from the black SUV got into Aguilar-Beltran’s jeep and they took a short drive before returning to the Taco Bell. The male returned to the black SUV and departed at the same time as Aguilar-Beltran. Omaha police stopped the SUV, conducted a search for sniffing dogs, and then searched the vehicle. Officers recovered about a kilo of methamphetamine and arrested the driver and passenger.
Following this apparent drug transaction, Omaha Police Department investigators gathered additional evidence of Aguilar-Beltran’s involvement in methamphetamine distribution. On July 15, 2021, officers executed a search warrant at Aguilar-Beltran’s home, identifying meth distribution amounts, cash, a digital scale, and packing materials consistent with drug trafficking.
Investigators also determined through conflict resolution and cooperation with federal investigative agencies that Aguilar-Beltran’s activities in support of the drug trade extended beyond the distribution of methamphetamines. A collaborating witness testified at the trial that Aguilar-Beltran collected thousands of dollars in proceeds from meth sales for the organization. Other witnesses testified that Aguilar-Beltran allowed the detached garage at his residence to be used over a period of several years for the regular unloading of dozens of pounds of meth from a “trap” car that had been repeatedly driven at Omaha from the southwest border. The meth from the wagon was intended for distribution in Nebraska.
U.S. District Judge Brian C. Buescher presided over the jury trial and will sentence Aguilar-Beltran on April 27, 2023.
HSI is the lead investigative arm of the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS), responsible for investigating transnational crime and threats, particularly those criminal organizations that exploit the global infrastructure through which international trade, travel and finance. HSI’s workforce of more than 8,700 employees consists of more than 6,000 Special Agents assigned to 237 cities across the United States and 93 foreign offices in 56 countries. HSI’s international presence represents DHS’s largest investigative law enforcement presence overseas and one of the largest international footprints in U.S. law enforcement.
Learn more about HSI’s mission to fight drug trafficking in our Twitter community @HSIKansasCity.
