EUREKA SPRINGS (KFSM) – A Mexican citizen living in Eureka Springs was sentenced to 10 years for distributing methamphetamine, according to a news release from U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Arkansas Conner Eldridge.
Fernando Canales-Mendoza, 52, was sentenced to 120 months followed by five years of supervised release, according to Eldridge.
He was convicted on two counts of distribution of meth, one count of possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of meth and one count of conspiracy to distribute meth, the release states.
U.S. Attorney Eldridge commented, “With this sentence, another positive step has been taken to assure that the families, especially children, in Carroll County can live in a community free of illegal drug trafficking and the violence and other crime that comes with it. Our office will continue to aggressively prosecute those responsible for bringing methamphetamine and other drugs into the Western District of Arkansas.”
In early 2014, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Carroll County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation into a drug-trafficking organization in Eureka Springs, according to the release.
Law enforcement made two purchases of meth during controlled buys that took place during the investigation, the release states.
On Aug. 27, 2014, authorities arrested Canales-Mendoza on a warrant, according to the release.
During the arrest, a search warrant was executed on Canales-Mendoza’s residence, and investigators found approximately 140 grams of meth, the release states.
