McAllen, TX – In a shocking turn of events, two local men have been ordered to federal prison for their roles in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy. Eddie Perez, 29, and Juan Alberto Mendez Jr., 29, were convicted of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 20 kilograms of cocaine.
According to court documents, Perez and Mendez were involved in a cocaine trafficking operation in the fall of 2022. On October 2022, Perez was set to deliver narcotics to another individual on behalf of Mendez. Authorities conducted surveillance at a Best Buy parking lot in McAllen in anticipation of the narcotics deal.
Law enforcement officers witnessed vehicles approach the parking lot, after which Perez removed bags containing bricks of cocaine from the trunk of his vehicle. Mendez was parked in another vehicle with his wife and six children observing the transaction. A total of 20 kilograms of cocaine was seized by law enforcement after they approached and arrested Perez and Mendez.
A subsequent search of Mendez’s home yielded another kilogram of cocaine. Mendez was permitted to remain on bond and voluntarily surrender to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future. Perez, on the other hand, has been and will remain in custody.
U.S. District Chief Judge Randy Crane has imposed a 120-month-term of imprisonment for Perez, while Mendez received a 96-month sentence. Both men must also serve five and three years of supervised release, respectively, following their sentences. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence about the criminal history of Perez, including his three prior felony convictions.
The Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Garcia prosecuted the case. This is a developing story, and we will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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