BOISE -- The U.S. Attorney for Idaho says a Mexican national legally living in Caldwell has been found guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of meth. Sentencing for Javier Castaneda is set for June 30.

Castaneda’s prosecution was part of a larger investigation known as Operation Mountain Lion. 

Its purpose was to trace shipments of crystal meth from their origins in Mexico drug factories through their intermediate locations in the southwestern U.S. to their final destinations in the hands of dealers in the Treasure Valley and elsewhere. 

The Idaho Operation included agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Ada and Canyon County Sheriff’s Offices, the Idaho State Police and the Nampa, Caldwell and Boise Police Departments.

Sixteen people were charged last summer with conspiracy to distribute meth.  Other defendants were charged in state court.  Thirteen of the others have pleaded guilty, one – Irwin Tolan – is a fugitive.  Charges were dismissed against the final defendant.

Among those prosecuted federally in Idaho were four Las Vegas men who were the source of the meth, three people – including Castaneda – who took care of a stash house in Caldwell where the drugs were stored, and eight local dealers.

Much of the meth came from the Mexican State of Sinaloa in 10- to 20- pound shipments through Arizona, California and Nevada.  There the drugs were re-packaged in 2-, 4- or 6-pound quantities for shipment to Idaho, usually in a hidden compartment in a vehicle.  The shipments came to Idaho every few days, with the cash flowing back to Mexico.