Mexican national jailed over five years for drug trafficking and firearm in Memphis, TN

Juan Sanchez-Palacios, 32, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison after police found marijuana, cash, and a loaded pistol during a traffic stop in Memphis.

Mexican national sentenced to five years in Memphis for drug and firearms offences

Google News MT — Crime (en) reports that a federal judge in Memphis, Tennessee, has sentenced Juan Sanchez-Palacios, 32, a Mexican national unlawfully present in the United States, to 60 months and one day in federal prison for possessing marijuana with intent to distribute and for possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.

On 12 November 2025, Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers conducted a traffic stop in Memphis on suspicion of driving under the influence. The driver, Sanchez-Palacios, was found in the vehicle. Troopers detected a strong odour of marijuana and searched the car, discovering multiple bags of marijuana, scales, a grinder, plastic baggies, a large amount of cash, and a loaded pistol.

United States District Court Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman handed down the sentence on 20 August 2026. There is no parole in the federal system, meaning Sanchez-Palacios will serve the full term.

Federal immigration officers established that Sanchez-Palacios had been unlawfully present in the United States since 2022. Upon completion of his prison sentence, he will be transferred to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal to Mexico.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant, who heads the Western District of Tennessee, said the case illustrated the office's priorities. "Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation but also threaten the safety of our communities," Dunavant said. "This case demonstrates our focus on those dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after illegal entry."

HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting added that his agency remained committed to eliminating crime and dangerous drugs from local communities. "This sentence reflects that commitment and holds the defendant accountable for his actions," Fetting said.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Tennessee Highway Patrol as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force operation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Clinton Crosier, of the Department of Homeland Security, prosecuted the case on behalf of the government.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)