KC Reporter

A Mexican national has been charged in a federal court following his arrest during a federal search in Kansas City, Missouri. Jose Valencia-Soriano, 23, faces charges in a three-count criminal complaint filed in the U.S. District Court of Kansas City. The charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking offense, and being an alien in possession of a firearm. Valencia-Soriano remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing.

The complaint details that agents from the Kansas City Field Division of the FBI, with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, executed a federal search warrant on March 27. At the scene, agents found 102 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, over 406 pounds of liquids containing methamphetamine, three firearms with two reported as stolen, and $48,634 in cash. The investigation, originating from the St. Louis area, is led by the FBI St. Louis Field Division.

"FBI St. Louis prioritized this drug trafficking investigation after we confirmed this defendant entered the U.S. illegally," stated Special Agent in Charge Ashley Johnson of the FBI St. Louis Division. Johnson emphasized the importance of the seizure, which included a substantial amount of methamphetamine.

Acting United States Attorney Jeffrey P. Ray highlighted the significance of addressing methamphetamine trafficking, saying, “This case serves as an important reminder that, in addition to fentanyl, large quantities of other dangerous drugs, in this case methamphetamine, are still a significant problem in our community."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Sean Foley is prosecuting the case, with investigations conducted by the FBI's Kansas City and St. Louis Field Divisions, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and Rolla Area Drug Enforcement. The Homeland Security Investigation (HSI) and Kansas City Missouri Police Department (KCMOPD) assisted with the operation.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which focuses on fighting illegal immigration, dismantling drug cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhancing community safety. This initiative aligns efforts from the Department of Justice's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

The charges in the complaint are accusations, and evidence will be presented to a federal jury to determine guilt or innocence.