FRESNO  -  A Modesto couple was indicted today by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced. Jose Juan Garcia-Herrera, 59, and Lupe Aime Busio-Valencia, 41, were charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and with possession of methamphetamine and heroin with intent to distribute.

According to court documents, during the investigation, detectives observed Garcia-Herrera transferring items from a residence to an area under the driver’s seat of a vehicle. During a subsequent stop of the vehicle driven by Garcia-Herrera and accompanied by Busio-Valencia, detectives seized 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 3 kilograms of heroin.

When a search warrant was executed at their residence, agents found evidence methamphetamine powder being converted to a crystal from inside the residence. During the search, agents also seized a firearm and $38,000 that was found in the bedroom.

This case is the product of an investigation by the Modesto Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen A. Servatius is prosecuting the case.

If convicted, both defendants face a maximum statutory penalty of life in prison, a $10 million fine, and forfeiture of the $38,000 seized during the search. Any sentence, however, would be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The charges are only allegations; the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.