KC Reporter

Three Mexican nationals have been sentenced in federal court for their involvement in a significant drug trafficking conspiracy. The operation, which spanned from February 2020 to September 2022, resulted in the distribution of over 335 kilograms of methamphetamine and 22 kilograms of heroin, valued at $4.7 million.

Jesus Morales-Garcia, also known as "Don Jesus," received an 18-year sentence without parole. U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips handed down the sentence on January 29. Co-defendant Santiago Raul Mendieta-Sanchez was sentenced to seven years, while Baltazar Flores-Norzagaray received a sentence of 16 years and three months on January 28.

Morales-Garcia admitted to being a chief operative within the drug-trafficking organization that sourced drugs from Mexico into Kansas City. He pleaded guilty to participating in a continuing criminal enterprise, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and illegally reentering the United States after deportation.

Flores-Norzagaray admitted possession of firearms during his arrest on October 7, 2021. He also sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant multiple times.

The operation culminated on June 8, 2022, with Homeland Security Investigations leading a large-scale takedown involving numerous law enforcement agencies. Officers executed search warrants resulting in significant seizures including drugs, firearms, cash, and equipment related to drug manufacturing.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Baker prosecuted the case with investigations conducted by various federal and local agencies under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative. This program aims to dismantle high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across multiple jurisdictions.