Wenceslao Cruz Ochoa, 35, of Sacramento, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Lawrence J. O'Neill to four years and two months in prison for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, on November 13, 2014, Ochoa was stopped by a Fresno County Sheriff’s deputy for a moving violation on northbound Interstate 5. A canine trained in the detection of controlled substances alerted the deputy to the presence of drugs, which prompted a search of his vehicle. Approximately 19 pounds of methamphetamine was located inside of a suitcase.

This case was the product of an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Michael Frye prosecuted the case.