Home San Juan Press Releases 2010 Individual Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Xanax Pills into MDC
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Individual Arrested for Attempting to Smuggle Xanax Pills into MDC

FBI San Juan November 12, 2010
  • Special Agent Carlos Osorio (787) 759-1550

SAN JUAN, PR—On November 10, 2010, at approximately 10:00 a.m., JONATHAN VELÁZQUEZ-MÉNDEZ, age 31, was arrested for attempting to smuggle 210 generic Xanax pills into the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in Guaynabo, Puerto Rico. VELÁZQUEZ has been charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.

The criminal complaint alleges VELÁZQUEZ was going to visit his brother who is an inmate at the MDC. Prior to entering the institution, VELÁZQUEZ completed and signed a visitor’s notification form, which in part states, it is a violation to enter controlled substances into MDC without consent, and certified that he was not in possession of controlled substances.

Upon entering the MDC checkpoint area, VELÁZQUEZ was advised by the correctional officer that he would have to undergo a pat down search. At which time, VELÁZQUEZ indicated he needed to use the bathroom. Due to VELÁZQUEZ’s suspicious behavior, the bathroom used by VELÁZQUEZ was inspected shortly after by the correctional officer, whereby, a zip top plastic bag with small pills was found in the bathroom’s trash can. The complaint further states once VELÁZQUEZ was confronted with the evidence found in the bathroom, he admitted the Xanax pills belonged to him.

The preliminary and bond hearings have been scheduled for Wednesday, November 24, 2010. If convicted, VELÁZQUEZ faces up to a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sean M. Torriente and was investigated by the U.S. Bureau of Prisons (BOP)-MDC Special Investigations Office and Intelligence Team, as well as the FBI.

The public is reminded a criminal complaint contains only charges and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty. The U.S. government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.