Miguel Mendoza, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Mississippi 2023

Trafficker Brought Down in Gulfport, Mississippi

Gulfport, MS – In a move to stem the flow of illicit substances, a Texas man has been sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Miguel Mendoza, 33, of Elgin, Texas, was handed down a 135-month sentence on April 6, 2023, in U.S. District Court in Gulfport.

According to authorities, the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on Interstate 10 East in Pass Christian, Mississippi, on October 17, 2022. Mendoza was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the stop.

An extensive search of the vehicle revealed a pressure-activated access panel for two improvised compartments on each side of the vehicle’s drive shaft. The driver’s side compartment contained two cellophane-wrapped packages containing 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, while the passenger side compartment held two plastic and aluminum foil-wrapped packages containing 1 kilogram of methamphetamine.

The tools necessary to raise the vehicle and gain access to the compartment were also found inside the vehicle.

Mendoza was indicted by a federal grand jury and pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine on January 17, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Erica Rose prosecuting the case.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking

Jose Manuel Ortiz-Campos, Methamphetamine and Heroin Trafficking, New Mexico 2018

Jun 29, 2018

Drug Trafficking

Jamie Shelby, Jr., Fentanyl Trafficking, Kentucky 2024

Jul 14, 2025

Drug Trafficking

Norma Patricia Rivera, Methamphetamine Trafficking, New Mexico 2015

May 26, 2016

Drug Trafficking

Bryant Adams, Meth Supply, Kentucky 2023

Jun 15, 2023