A Mexican national residing illegally in Garland, Texas, has been sentenced to 150 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in the Eastern District of Texas. The sentencing was announced by U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Salud Alejandro Ruiz Mendoza, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Amos L. Mazzant on December 1, 2025.
Court records revealed that Mendoza and his co-defendants were involved in distributing and possessing with intent to distribute approximately 37 kilograms of methamphetamine imported from Mexico within the North Texas area. Authorities also seized several firearms and about 91 pounds of marijuana during the investigation.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative led by the Department of Justice that focuses on addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and enhancing community safety by targeting violent crime offenders.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lesley Brooks prosecuted the case.
