Drone-Based Methamphetamine Smuggling Scheme Exposed in Louisiana
Two Mexican nationals have been charged in connection with a drone-based methamphetamine smuggling scheme at a federal prison in Louisiana.
The suspects, Gustavo Mendoza-Alvarez, 25, and Osvaldo Lopez-Sanchez, 28, both of Mexico, are facing up to life in federal prison on the charged offenses.
According to court documents, the investigation began on June 14, 2026, when the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports of a drone flying near the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock, Louisiana.
Detectives responding to the area found recent footprints and observed a vehicle with Texas license plates attempting to avoid law enforcement.
During the pursuit, the fleeing vehicle—driven by Lopez-Sanchez with Mendoza-Alvarez as the passenger—struck a marked Grant Parish patrol vehicle and later collided head-on with a Ford F-350.
Both men were taken into custody, and a search of their phones revealed images of a drone, THC wax, and what appeared to be methamphetamine.
Investigators later executed a search warrant at a nearby hotel where they located approximately 446 grams of methamphetamine, 114 grams of marijuana, THC vapes, 21 cell phones, a wallet containing Mendoza-Alvarez’s Mexican voter ID, assorted ammunition, spare drone propellers, and a drone operator harness.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller praised the efforts of the investigating agencies, saying, “These charges reflect the serious danger posed by smugglers who attempt to deliver narcotics into our federal prison system and who endanger innocent motorists and law enforcement.”
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Danny Siefker with assistance from Paralegal Specialist Denise Duhon.
A criminal complaint is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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