CONYERS, GA — A Mexican man who was previously deported twice is being held without bail on federal drug and immigration charges following the seizure of 440 pounds of methamphetamine in metro Atlanta.

Authorities say 57-year-old Gerardo Mendoza was pulled over in Conyers while driving a van that had been loaded with methamphetamine bricks packed inside trash bags.

Atlanta U.S. Attorney Theodore Hertzberg says Mendoza has a history of drug trafficking convictions in California and Washington state, along with repeated illegal border crossings.

“This is an individual who was previously convicted of drug trafficking crimes in California, of trafficking drugs in Washington state, convicted at the federal and state levels, and deported twice,” Hertzberg said.

According to Hertzberg, Mendoza’s previous convictions and deportations are significant factors in the federal case against him.

“Who we’re talking about here is a twice convicted, twice deported, illegal alien. So the recidivism, the disrespect for the law, all of that is deeply concerning for us and warrants the significant penalty that this individual now faces,” Hertzberg said.

Mendoza remains in custody without bail as he faces federal drug and immigration charges.

If convicted, he could face life in federal prison without the possibility of parole.

WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons & Veronica Waters contributed to this story.