(South Bend, IN) - A La Porte woman has been sentenced in federal prison on drug-related charges.

Just over a year ago, 26-year-old Monica Del Real was stopped in the area of Interstate 94 and U.S. 421 and found to have active warrants for arrest. Prompted by a K9 alert, police discovered 136 grams of pure methamphetamine and 12 grams of fentanyl hidden in a compartment near the gas pedal. Nearly $5,000 in cash was also found in her purse lying on the floorboard of the vehicle.

Following a guilty plea, Real was recently sentenced in U.S. District Court in South Bend to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

“Monica Del Real thought that she could freely traffic in dangerous narcotics,” said U.S. Attorney Mildred.  “State and local law enforcement, and their K9 partner, proved her wrong.  Thanks to their excellent work, both the drugs and Del Real are off the streets.  I thank DEA, Michigan City Police Department, the La Porte County Drug Task Force, and the La Porte County Prosecutor Sean Fagan and his office for their partnership.”