A 32-year-old Mexican national residing in the U.S. illegally was sentenced to more than five years in federal prison after a Tennessee traffic stop uncovered marijuana, drug-trafficking equipment, cash, and a loaded pistol, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee Mike Dunavant announced Tuesday that Juan Sanchez-Palacios was sentenced to 60 months and one day in federal prison for possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
Illegal Alien from Mexico Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Offense
Click the link for more:https://t.co/0WE1U6EZRY pic.twitter.com/sFuRIbiOpk
— WDTNNews (@WDTNNews) August 25, 2026
The case stems from a November 12, 2025, traffic stop in Memphis conducted by Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers who suspected Sanchez-Palacios of driving under the influence, according to the DOJ.
During the stop, troopers detected a strong odor of marijuana while speaking with Sanchez-Palacios. A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered multiple bags of marijuana, scales, a grinder, plastic baggies, a large amount of cash, and a loaded pistol.
Sanchez-Palacios was sentenced last week by U.S. District Court Chief Judge Sheryl H. Lipman.
The DOJ said federal immigration officers determined that Sanchez-Palacios had been illegally present in the U.S. since 2022, and following the completion of his federal sentence, he will be turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement for removal from the country.
“Criminal aliens not only threaten the sovereignty of our nation but also threaten the safety of our communities,” Dunavant said in a statement. “This case demonstrates our focus on those dangerous criminal aliens who continue to violate our laws after illegal entry.”
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Tennessee Highway Patrol as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force.
HSI Nashville Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting said the sentence demonstrates the agencies’ commitment to combating dangerous drugs and crime in the community.
– – –
Kaitlin Housler is a reporter at The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network.
