Mexican national deported 3 times in 2018 sentenced to 10 years in prison for meth trafficking

An illegal immigrant living in Pasco, Washington, has been sentenced to a decade in federal prison after pleading guilty to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, the US Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

Jesus Birrueta-Mendoza, 27, a Mexican citizen living in Pasco, was sentenced to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty in February.

The Department of Justice said that Birrueta-Mendoza had been negotiating the sale of more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine when he was arrested on January 18, 2024, in Sunnyside, Washington. Federal agents with the Department of Homeland Security apprehended him at the scene and recovered 25 pounds of meth during the arrest.

Authorities noted that Birrueta-Mendoza had previously been removed from the United States three times in 2018 and was unlawfully present in the country at the time of the offense.

“Mr. Birrueta-Mendoza was engaged in drug trafficking after unlawfully returning to the United States,” said Acting US Attorney Stephanie Van Marter. “He intended to distribute a large amount of methamphetamine into our community without concern about its impact. This sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions and my office’s commitment to hold drug distributors accountable.”

Colin Jackson, Acting Special Agent in Charge for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Seattle, said the case underscores the agency’s focus on dismantling transnational drug networks.

“HSI remains committed to combating transnational criminal organizations that import and distribute narcotics in our communities,” Jackson said. “We will continue to ensure that individuals like Mr. Birrueta-Mendoza are held accountable.”

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Michael D. Murphy.