Gerardo Barraza-Ortiz, 42, a Mexican national, was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for trafficking over 48 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Texas announced on March 13.
The conviction stemmed from a June 2022 investigation where law enforcement carried out two controlled methamphetamine purchases, leading to the execution of a search warrant at an auto body shop in Dallas. Upon law enforcement’s entry into the building, Barraza-Ortiz attempted to flee but was swiftly apprehended.
Officers discovered approximately 107 pounds (48.66 kilograms) of methamphetamine, hidden in 1,022 small packages concealed in buckets and pallets. A further search of the shop uncovered equipment used for processing liquid methamphetamine into its crystal form, including a freezer, burners, coolers, storage bins, and barrels. Additionally, Duncanville Police Department officers recovered three firearms and several pounds of marijuana during the raid.
The seized 48.66 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, if sold in ounce quantities, had an estimated street value of about $3.13 million.
“The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of personnel from the Duncanville Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said Duncanville Chief of Police Matthew Stogner. “Removing over $3 million worth of methamphetamine from our streets is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against drug trafficking, and we remain committed to protecting our neighborhoods from the devastating impact of illegal drugs.”
