Man Sentenced to over 21 Years for $3,128,400.00 of Methamphetamine

Gerardo Barraza-Ortiz, a Mexican national illegally living in the United States, was sentenced to more than 21 years in federal prison for his role in trafficking over 48 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, announced Acting U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham.

On March 10, 2025, Barraza-Ortiz, 42, was sentenced to 262 months’ imprisonment by United States District Judge David C. Godbey.  According to court documents, Barraza-Ortiz pled guilty on September 5, 2023, to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.  

Testimony at sentencing revealed that in June 2022, after two controlled methamphetamine purchases of approximately one ounce each, officers with the Duncanville, Texas police department executed a search warrant at an auto body shop located on South Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas, Texas.  As officers entered the building, Barraza-Ortiz fled from officers but was soon apprehended.  

A Duncanville police officer testified that a search of the building revealed approximately 48.66 kilograms (107.05 pounds) of crystalized methamphetamine.  Most of the methamphetamine was located in 1,022 small packages hidden in buckets and pallets.  A further search of the auto body shop also revealed a freezer, burners, coolers, storage bins, and barrels that were being used to store, cook, and clean liquid methamphetamine into a crystalized form.  Officers also located three firearms and several pounds of marijuana during the search. 
 

According to the Duncanville Police Department, the 48.66 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, if sold in ounce quantities, has a street value of approximately $3,128,400.00 in the Dallas, Texas area.      

“This conviction sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics. The successful prosecution of this case is a testament to the dedication and hard work of personnel of the Duncanville Police Department and the United States Attorney’s Office.  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,” said Chief of Police Matthew Stogner.

Acting U.S. Attorney Chad E. Meacham praised the joint efforts of all law enforcement agencies involved in the case, including the Duncanville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration.  Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Leal and Sarah Douglas prosecuted the case.