Jose Angel Frias-Mendoza, Marijuana Smuggling, New Mexico 2024

Jose Angel Frias-Mendoza, a 45-year-old from Chihuahua City, Mexico, has been charged with marijuana smuggling in New Mexico.

According to the criminal complaint, Frias-Mendoza allegedly tried to enter the United States on March 20 at the port of entry in Santa Teresa, New Mexico with 88 bundles (approximately 67.5 pounds) of marijuana hidden in the dashboard, roof, and fuel tank of the vehicle he was driving.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers inspected the vehicle and located the hidden contraband, according to the complaint.

Frias-Mendoza is currently in custody pending a detention hearing on March 26. He faces up to five years in prison for possession with intent to distribute marijuana and five years in prison for importation of marijuana.

A criminal complaint is only an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin C. Segovia prosecuting the case.

Frias-Mendoza's current status is in custody pending a detention hearing, and he is facing up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Defendant: Jose Angel Frias-Mendoza

Criminal Charges: Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Importation of Marijuana

City and State: Las Cruces, New Mexico

Exact Date: March 23, 2024

Sentence or Outcome: Currently in custody pending a detention hearing

Dollar Amounts: None

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-nm/pr/mexican-national-faces-federal-marijuana-smuggling-charges-new-mexico