Houston duo jailed for 13 years in massive methamphetamine bust

Two Houston men have been jailed for more than 13 years each after a major drug investigation uncovered over 130 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine. Edgar Prudencio Ruiz and Damian Lee Gutierrez were sentenced to 162 months in prison for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute the drug, which had been smuggled into the US from Mexico.

The case began when Ruiz and Gutierrez were caught delivering five kilograms of methamphetamine to an undercover officer. A subsequent search of Gutierrez's home revealed an additional 122 gallon-sized bags of the drug. In total, authorities seized approximately 133 kilograms of pure methamphetamine, with an estimated street value exceeding $200,000.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with support from local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI's anti-terror unit and Austin police. During the trial in November 2025, prosecutors revealed that both men had been involved in prior shootings and routinely carried loaded firearms while conducting drug deals. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer B. Lowery and Eric Smith handled the prosecution. The evidence presented in court confirmed the pair's involvement in a large-scale distribution network, linking the seized drugs to a supply chain originating in Mexico.

Ruiz and Gutierrez will now serve their sentences in federal prison. The investigation successfully removed a significant quantity of methamphetamine from circulation and disrupted a cross-border drug operation. Authorities have not indicated whether further arrests are expected in connection with the case.