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One of two men accused of driving to Redwood City with 200 pounds of methamphetamine in August failed to appear at a court proceeding Wednesday, leading a judge to issue a bench warrant for his arrest. The judge also ordered that the second man be held without bail as a result, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe's office.
Rigoberto Angulo Mundaca, 41 and co-defendant Jaycee Sandovalpalacios, 27, were originally arrested on Aug. 30 after Redwood City police learned that a large narcotics transaction was going to occur in the city. Police located the men at Marsh Manor Shopping Center, 3700 Florence St.
When officers approached, Mundaca allegedly tried to flee on foot, but he was apprehended. Officers said they found 200 pounds of methamphetamine, a powerful and illegal stimulant, in the car. The drugs were packed in one-pound bricks in Ziplock bags. The methamphetamine had a street value of at least $240,000 when purchased in bulk, according to Wagstaffe's office.
Mundaca allegedly told police he received a call from Mexico directing him to meet with Sandovalpalacios in exchange for medical help for his family. Sandovalpalacios allegedly told police that another man placed boxes in his car in Tulare County and directed him to meet Mundaca. Both men's statements were made after being read their Miranda rights, the DA's office said.
Mundaca and Sandovalpalacios each face three felony counts: transport of a controlled substance for sale across county lines; possession for sale of a controlled substance (methamphetamine); conspiracy to commit a crime; and enhancement charges of possession for sale of a large quantity of methamphetamine and committing a serious felony under the three-strikes law. They could spend decades in prison if convicted on all charges. On Sept. 1, they pleaded not guilty.
Mundaca failed to appear for a court review conference on Oct. 18, prompting Criminal Presiding Judge Michael K. Wendler to issue an arrest warrant. Wendler also granted the prosecution request to revoke the own-recognizance release for co-defendant Sandovalpalacios and ordered him held in custody on no-bail status.
Since Mundaca failed to appear on Wednesday, the court vacated a Dec. 5 preliminary hearing date. Sandovalpalacios is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 20, however, for a new bail hearing.
