Gerardo Barraza-Ortiz, 42, a Mexican national illegally residing in the United States, has been sentenced to 21 years and 10 months in federal prison for trafficking over 48 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine.
On March 10, 2025, U.S. District Judge David C. Godbey sentenced Barraza-Ortiz to 262 months in prison. Barraza-Ortiz previously pleaded guilty on September 5, 2023, to possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine.
According to court records, officers with the Duncanville Police Department conducted two controlled methamphetamine purchases in June 2022, each involving about one ounce. Following those purchases, officers executed a search warrant at an auto body shop on South Cockrell Hill Road in Dallas.
During the search, Barraza-Ortiz attempted to flee but was quickly apprehended. Officers discovered approximately 48.66 kilograms (107.05 pounds) of crystal methamphetamine inside the building, much of it packaged in 1,022 small containers concealed in buckets and pallets.
Investigators also found a freezer, burners, coolers, storage bins, and barrels used to cook, clean, and crystalize liquid methamphetamine. Three firearms and several pounds of marijuana were also seized.
The Duncanville Police Department estimated that the seized methamphetamine had a street value of approximately $3.1 million if sold in ounce quantities.
“This conviction sends a clear message that our community will not tolerate the distribution of dangerous narcotics,” said Duncanville Police Chief Matthew Stogner. “Removing over $3 million worth of methamphetamine from our streets is a significant victory in our ongoing fight against drug trafficking.”
The case was investigated by the Duncanville Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys George Leal and Sarah Douglas prosecuted the case.
