LAREDO, Texas – A 23-year-old Houston resident has been indicted for conspiracy and importation of 50 grams or more of meth, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The federal grand jury in Laredo returned the two-count indictment against Mike Mendoza today. He is expected to appear for his arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Diana Song Quiroga in the near future.
The criminal complaint originally filed in the case alleges Mendoza and others conspired to import more than one kilogram of meth in the tires of a Ford F-150.
On Feb. 25, Mendoza allegedly arrived at the Lincoln Juarez Bridge in Laredo driving the truck. Law enforcement detected anomalies in the tires and soon found 24 bundles of meth, according to the charges.
They allegedly had a total combined weight of 60.04 kilograms with an estimated street value of $360,000.
If convicted, Mendoza faces up to life in prison and a possible $10 million maximum fine.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Adam E. Harper is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
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