Precursor Chemical Broker Sentenced for Methamphetamine Importation and Money Laundering Conspiracies

 

A precursor chemical broker was sentenced to 18 years and eight months in prison for methamphetamine importation and money laundering conspiracies.

According to court documents and evidence presented at trial, Javier Algredo Vazquez, 56, of Queens, New York, procured chemicals, including methylamine, for the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG) to make controlled substances for importation into the United States. The CJNG, which is based in the State of Jalisco in Mexico, is one of the largest, most dangerous, and most prolific drug cartels in Mexico and is responsible for transporting tonnage quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and other drugs into the United States. Algredo Vazquez imported over 5 million kilograms of chemicals into Mexico, including enough precursors to produce over 700 million doses of methamphetamine and over 2 billion doses of fentanyl. Algredo Vazquez also transferred millions of dollars from the United States to chemical suppliers in China and India to procure the chemicals.

24,500 kilograms of methylamine hydrochloride purchased by Algredo Vazquez and his co-conspirators that was seized at the Port of Oakland, California, on June 8, 2021.

Algredo Vazquez was convicted at trial in July 2023 of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine for unlawful importation into the United States, conspiracy to distribute a List I chemical to manufacture methamphetamine for unlawful importation into the United States, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. 

Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicole M. Argentieri of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, Administrator Anne Milgram of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) made the announcement.

The DEA Los Angeles Field Division and HSI Houston investigated the case, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service’s Investigative Operations Division. The U.S. Indo-Pacific Command Joint Interagency Task Force West also provided support for the investigatory efforts.

Trial Attorney Kate Naseef, Acting Assistant Deputy Chief Nhan Nguyen, and Acting Deputy Chief Kaitlin Sahni of the Criminal Division’s Narcotic and Dangerous Drug Section prosecuted the case.

The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs contributed significantly to the investigation. The Justice Department thanks the Mexican Attorney General’s Office for their assistance in securing the conviction.