by | Published
GUADALUPE COUNTY, Texas - A long-term narcotics investigation led by local and federal authorities has resulted in the arrest and federal indictment of a Guadalupe County man accused of trafficking large quantities of fentanyl and related drugs, officials announced.
On January 14, 2026, the Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office Special Investigations Bureau Narcotics Unit, working with the Drug Enforcement Administration San Antonio Field Division, took Daniel Mendoza Jr. into custody following an investigation that began in mid-2025.
Investigators identified Mendoza as a confirmed member of the Tango Orejon gang who was on parole at the time of the offenses. After evidence was presented to the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office in San Antonio, Mendoza was indicted on federal charges of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, a fentanyl analogue, under federal narcotics statutes.
During the arrest operation, authorities seized a large cache of drugs and a firearm. According to investigators, the seizure included approximately 6,000 M30 pills containing an estimated 603 grams of fentanyl and fluorofentanyl, 62 grams of cocaine, 210 grams of alprazolam, multiple THC cartridges, and a Sig Sauer semi-automatic handgun.
Officials said the case remains under active investigation and that additional federal charges may be filed in the Western District of Texas.
“The Guadalupe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to protecting our community from all criminal threats,” said Joshua Ray. “If you traffic these deadly substances in Guadalupe County, we will pursue you. We do not care who you are or where you hide; we will find you, bring you to justice, and hold you accountable.”
Ray also thanked the DEA for its partnership, calling the joint effort critical to combating the spread of fentanyl and related drugs in the region.
