Brothers Sentenced for Leading Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution Network Linked to Sinaloa Cartel

SAN DIEGO – Brothers Eduardo and Francisco Mendoza were sentenced in federal court to 15 years and 10 years in prison, respectively, for leading a fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network supplied by the Sinaloa Cartel. Eduardo Mendoza was sentenced today; Francisco Mendoza was sentenced April 17. According to public documents, the brothers and other members of their organization were identified through a long-term wiretap investigation. As the investigation unfolded, agents identified the Mendoza Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which operated in the Imperial County and trafficked methamphetamine and fentanyl. Investigators learned that the Mendoza DTO was supplied by a Sinaloa Cartel-linked source of fentanyl supply in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The Mendoza DTO obtained drugs from Mexico and then distributed the drugs throughout the Imperial Valley and elsewhere, including as far as New York. Eduardo Mendoza was the lead defendant charged in a 12-defendant indictment with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. In 2024, agents conducted a multi-district takedown, which led to Eduardo Mendoza’s arrest in Oregon and Francisco Mendoza’s arrest in the Imperial Valley, California. In his plea agreement, Eduardo Mendoza admitted that he participated in the conspiracy between at least 2020 through his arrest in June 2024. Through the multi-year investigation, agents repeatedly seized methamphetamine and fentanyl that was being distributed by the organization, including some of the seizures highlighted below. “Imperial Valley. New York. Las Vegas. Oregon,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, “This was a sprawling investigation into prolific drug traffickers. But we wiretapped their phones, seized their drugs, and brought them to justice.” “The sentencing of Eduardo and Francisco Mendoza marks a significant victory in our ongoing fight against transnational criminal organizations that threaten the safety of our communities,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Murphy, HSI San Diego. “This case demonstrates the dedication and collaboration of law enforcement partners to dismantle drug trafficking networks responsible for distributing dangerous substances like fentanyl and methamphetamine. HSI remains committed to pursuing those who endanger lives through the illicit drug trade and to protecting our communities from the devastating impact of narcotics.” This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shivanjali Sewak and Kevin Mokhtari. DEFENDANTS Case Number 24-cr-0504-CAB Eduardo Mendoza, AKA “Casper” 33 Niland, CA Francisco Javier Mendoza, AKA “Pancho” 35 Niland, CA SUMMARY OF CHARGES Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846) Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. INVESTIGATING AGENCIES Homeland Security Investigations Drug Enforcement Administration Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces Department of Justice Office of Enforcement Operations U.S. Border Patrol U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives U.S. Postal Inspection Service Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation California Highway Patrol Brawley Police Department El Centro Police Department Calexico Police Department Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Imperial County District Attorney’s Office Imperial County Probation Department Imperial Police Department Westmorland Police Department Calipatria Police Department Imperial Valley - Law Enforcement Coordination Center Imperial County Child Protective Services San Diego County Sheriff’s Office U.S. Marshals Service This case is part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative established by Executive