Major methamphetamine supplier for the Mississippi Gulf Coast sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy
GULFPORT, Miss. – The Drug Enforcement Administration announced David Quevedo Martinez, 40, of Houston, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by a senior U.S. district judge to life in federal prison for conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Martinez was also ordered to pay a $15,000 fine.
On June 26, 2019, Martinez was found guilty by a jury, after a three-day trial in federal court, of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. Trial testimony revealed that Martinez sold numerous kilograms of methamphetamine to co-conspirators in Houston, Texas. Those co-conspirators brought the methamphetamine back to the Mississippi Gulf Coast and distributed it throughout Gulfport and Moss Point.
“The life sentence of this individual is an example of DEA’s relentless pursuit to target drug traffickers who plague and pollute our communities," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brad L. Byerley. Because drug trafficking isn’t confined to one jurisdiction or community, it is important that law enforcement continues to work together to improve the quality of life for the citizens we serve. DEA’s continued pledge to the people of Mississippi and beyond is to continue to work with all our law enforcement partners, to pursue these criminals and drug traffickers.”
“This defendant rightfully deserves to spend the rest of his life in prison for the innocent lives he has damaged or destroyed. I applaud the hard work of our law enforcement partners and our prosecutors, ensuring that this criminal will no longer threaten our people or the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Because of their diligence and courageous actions, our kids and communities are safer today,” said U.S. Attorney Mike Hurst.
The case was investigated by the DEA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force and the Pasadena, Texas, Police Department. Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
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