California man indicted for bringing meth into Kansas

A California man was indicted Tuesday on a federal charge of smuggling more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine into Kansas, U.S. Attorney Stephen McAllister said.

Jesus Antonio Garcia-Maldonado, 36, Panorama City, California, was charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine.

Garcia-Maldonado was stopped for a traffic violation in Clark County, Kansas. Officers found the drugs under the seats and hidden in rear quarter panels of the car. The car was rented in San Diego, California.

If convicted, he faces not less than 10 years in federal prison and a fine up to $10 million. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration investigated. Assistant U.S. Mona Furst is prosecuting.