Two Mexican nationals have pleaded guilty to federal drug trafficking charges following the seizure of more than 260 pounds of methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced Monday.
According to court records, law enforcement stopped a vehicle driven by Anuar Castaneda Ortiz, 29, of Sacramento, on Dec. 5, 2022. A search uncovered 90 plastic bags containing crystal meth—over 260 pounds—stashed on the backseat and in the trunk.
Felix Ortiz-Plata, 44, of Stockton, pleaded guilty on Aug. 8, 2025, to conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Castaneda Ortiz entered his guilty plea on Monday to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The case stems from a multi-agency investigation involving the DEA, FBI, U.S. Forest Service, ATF, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Land Management, and California Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt is prosecuting.
Sentencing dates:
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Ortiz-Plata: Nov. 21, 2025, before U.S. District Judge Dena C. Coggins
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Castaneda Ortiz: Dec. 19, 2025
Each defendant faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, a maximum of life in prison, and up to a $10 million fine. Sentences will ultimately be determined by the court, factoring in statutory considerations and federal guidelines.
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