June 6, 2008
Ring-Leader in Poly-Drug Conspiracy Sentenced to
25 Years Imprisonment
Portland, Ore. – Ricardo Mendoza-Morales, 39, of Beaverton, was sentenced to 300 months imprisonment following his guilty plea to a 10-count indictment charging him with one count of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Cocaine, and nine counts of possession with intent to distribute those drugs. Mendoza was the leader of a multi-state poly-drug distribution ring which obtained its drugs in Mexico and California for distribution in Oregon. Utilizing a federal wiretap, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team (WIN) arrested nine members of this organization in early 2005, and seized 40 pounds of methamphetamine, two kilograms of heroin, lesser amounts of cocaine, five vehicles with electronically-operated, hidden compartments, various handguns, and approximately $190,000 in currency. Mendoza is the sixth defendant to be sentenced, while three defendants are still set for trial on October 7, 2008.
The methamphetamine seizure in this case is believed to be one of the largest of its kind in Oregon law enforcement history. In addition to the DEA and WIN, the Oregon State Police, Portland Police Bureau, and Regional Organized Crime Narcotics Task Force participated in the investigation of the Mendoza drug ring.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys John F. Deits and Craig J. Gabriel.
