Feds: Parents used 19-month-old to help smuggle meth into US

BROWNSVILLE, TX -- Two parents remain jailed on federal drug charges after authorities allege they tried using their 19-month-old child to help smuggle methamphetamine from Mexico into the U.S.

According to a criminal complaint, Orlando Ramirez-Leal and Cynthia Uresti were crossing the Gateway International Bridge into Brownsville, Texas, on Wednesday when they were stopped by inspectors.

Officials say they found six packages hidden on Uresti's body as well as on the body of her child.

Authorities say the bundles contained a total of more than 7 pounds of meth.

The complaint states Ramirez-Leal told investigators the couple had planned to transport the illegal drugs to Houston.

Both Ramirez-Leal and Uresti are being held without bond.

Attorneys for both defendants did not immediately return calls seeking comment Sunday.