Leigha Simonton, United States Attorney, Northern District of Texas | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Texas
The second individual involved in a significant methamphetamine trafficking operation in Duncanville, Texas, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison. This was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.
Moises Elias Saavedra Posadas, aged 45 and a Mexican national residing illegally in the United States, admitted guilt to charges of methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute earlier this year. On May 28, 2025, he received his sentence from United States District Judge David C. Godbey.
Court documents reveal that Saavedra Posadas assisted codefendant Gerardo Barraza Ortiz in delivering over four grams of pure methamphetamine on two occasions. A search warrant executed by officers at an auto body shop on South Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas led to the discovery of several identifying documents belonging to Saavedra Posadas.
During Barraza Ortiz’s sentencing hearing, testimony disclosed that on June 2, 2022, officers found approximately 48.66 kilograms (107.05 pounds) of crystalized methamphetamine during a building search. Most of the drug was hidden in small packages within buckets and pallets. Further investigation uncovered equipment used for storing and converting liquid methamphetamine into its crystal form at the auto body shop location. Officers also discovered three firearms and several pounds of marijuana.
The Duncanville Police Department estimates that the seized methamphetamine could fetch around $3,128,400 if sold by ounce quantities in Dallas.
Barraza Ortiz had previously been sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment by U.S. District Judge Godbey in March 2025.
The investigation was carried out by the Duncanville Police Department alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Leal and Sarah Douglas.
