HONDURAN AND EL SALVADORIAN NATIONALS CHARGED WITH POSSESSION WITH THE INTENT TO DISTRIBUTE METHAMPHETAMINE Publisher: U.S. Attorney's Office, Middle District of Louisiana Date: 11 February 2026 Subjects: American Government , Crime Topic: Interstate Highway System

United States Attorney Kurt L. Wall announced that a federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging Jostin Antonio Orellana-Romero, age 22, a citizen and national of Honduras, and Edenilson Alexander Castaneda-Del Valle, age 18, a citizen and national of El Salvador, both aliens removable from the United States, with possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to the Indictment, on or about February 7, 2026, deputies with the Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office initiated a traffic stop along Interstate 12 of a vehicle being operated by Orellana-Romero and Castaneda-Del Valle. During a search of the vehicle, a hidden compartment was located, along with two digital scales, numerous rubber bands, plastic baggies, approximately $7,100 in U.S. currency, and approximately 164 kilograms, or over 361 pounds, of a mixture containing methamphetamine.

If convicted, Orellana-Romero and Castaneda-Del Valle each face a minimum of ten years and up to life imprisonment, a significant period of supervised release, and a fine of up to $10 million. They are also subject to removal or deportation from the United States upon completion of their sentences.

This case is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and Livingston Parish Sheriff’s Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lyman E. Thornton III.

An indictment is an accusation by a grand jury. The defendants are presumed innocent until and unless adjudicated guilty at trial or through a guilty plea. 

Updated February 11, 2026