Two Mexican nationals have been charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, following an alleged drone-based smuggling attempt at a federal prison in Pollock, Louisiana.
Gustavo Mendoza-Alvarez, 25, and Osvaldo Lopez-Sanchez, 28, both from Mexico, face potential life sentences if convicted. The investigation began on June 14, 2026, when the Grant Parish Sheriff’s Office received reports of a drone flying near the Federal Correctional Complex in Pollock.
Responding detectives located footprints and observed a vehicle attempting to evade law enforcement. A subsequent pursuit ended when the suspects' vehicle, driven by Lopez-Sanchez, struck a patrol car and then collided head-on with another vehicle. Both men were taken into custody.
A search of their phones revealed images of a drone, THC wax, and suspected methamphetamine. Investigators later executed a search warrant at a nearby hotel, uncovering approximately 446 grams of methamphetamine, 114 grams of marijuana, THC vapes, 21 cell phones, ammunition, and drone equipment, including a harness and spare propellers.
U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Keller emphasized the danger, saying, "These charges reflect the serious danger posed by smugglers who attempt to deliver narcotics into our federal prison system and who endanger innocent motorists and law enforcement." He added that authorities would continue to work with partners to stop the flow of drugs into correctional facilities.