http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/border/165083

Border News
Mexican man, 40, facing fine, prison time for meth-smuggling attempt in Nogales

arizona daily star
Tucson, Arizona | Published: 01.18.2007

A 40-year-old Mexican man who attempted to smuggle methamphetamine into the country last year will be sentenced in Tucson in March, officials said Wednesday.

Jose Cardenas-Mendoza was found guilty by a federal jury of possession of meth with intent to distribute it and importation of meth, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

He is facing a minimum of 10 years in prison on each count, a $4 million fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident Sept. 22 in which Cardenas-Mendoza was stopped at a Nogales, Ariz., port of entry, the release said.

A search of the Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck he was driving revealed 13 packages of methamphetamine hidden in a compartment in the transmission hump, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

During his trial, Cardenas-Mendoza denied knowing the meth was hidden in his vehicle, claiming he had loaned the truck to an acquaintance.

However, evidence showed that his behavior and responses to questioning indicated that he was aware of the drugs and that he intended to bring them into the country, the release said.

Cardenas-Mendoza will be sentenced March 23.