A Mexican national living illegally in Hazlehurst, Georgia, has been sentenced to 215 months in federal prison for possession and attempted possession with intent to distribute over four pounds of pure methamphetamine. Ismael Delgado-Celis, 37, received the sentence from U.S. District Judge Lisa Godbey Wood on August 28, 2025, following his conviction by a jury in the Southern District of Georgia.
Evidence presented at trial showed that on September 12, 2024, Delgado-Celis tried to receive a package shipped from Mexico described as containing a horse saddle. Law enforcement discovered more than two kilograms of pure methamphetamine concealed within the saddle. Investigators determined that the saddle had been constructed around the drug package as a method to smuggle illegal drugs into the United States. Agents removed the drugs before delivering the package through an undercover operation using the United States Postal Service. Delgado-Celis accepted and stored the package at his residence before being arrested.
“Methamphetamine destroys lives, families, and communities. This amount of methamphetamine could have devastated the community. I am pleased to work with such great law enforcement partners. It takes a network of law enforcement professionals to dismantle a network of criminals,” stated United States Attorney Margaret E. Heap.
“The sentencing of Delgado-Celis underscores the unwavering commitment of Homeland Security Investigations to protect our communities from the devastating impact of drug trafficking,” said Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Georgia and Alabama Steven N. Schrank. “Smuggling pure methamphetamine hidden in a horse saddle and shipping it across the country is not only brazen but deeply harmful to the safety and well-being of our communities. This case is a testament to the tireless efforts of HSI and our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who seek to flood our streets with dangerous drugs are held accountable. We will continue to pursue justice and dismantle criminal networks wherever they operate.”
“Using a shipping service to traffic dangerous drugs not only threatens our communities but also places unsuspecting workers at risk,” said Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division. “DEA investigators remain committed to intercepting these packages and stopping the poison before it reaches the streets.”
“Postal Inspectors will continue to support our law enforcement partners in the removal of lethal and dangerous drugs to keep communities safe,” said Rodney M. Hopkins, Inspector in Charge of the Atlanta Division.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Office.
The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorney Ryan Bondura and Deputy Criminal Chief E. Greg Gilluly, Jr., both representing the Southern District of Georgia.