Hector Lucas-Ramos, Heroin Distribution Conspiracy, California 2023

TRENTON, N.J. — In a grim revelation of cross-border criminal activities, Hector Lucas-Ramos, a 42-year-old from National City, California, has entered a guilty plea in federal court for his role in a massive drug conspiracy. The U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced that Lucas-Ramos stands accused of conspiring to distribute over 141 kilograms of heroin and cocaine across state lines.

According to the gritty details of the case, Lucas-Ramos was apprehended on August 27, 2017, in Essex County, New Jersey. He and Abraham Castro, 33, were driving a tractor trailer that drew the attention of law enforcement for repeated traffic infractions. During a subsequent search, authorities uncovered five duffle bags filled with a chilling total of 56 kilograms of heroin and 85 kilograms of cocaine.

Lucas-Ramos confessed today that he and Castro transported the drugs from California to New Jersey, where they were intended for distribution to other members of their criminal network. The conspiracy charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, with a life sentence as the maximum penalty, accompanied by a $10 million fine. Lucas-Ramos is set to be sentenced on June 27, 2018.

Abraham Castro, who was apprehended alongside Lucas-Ramos, pleaded guilty to his involvement in the conspiracy last November and is currently awaiting his own sentencing. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Williams represents the government in this case, which falls under the auspices of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF).

Craig Carpenito credited the DEA’s New Jersey Division with the lead in the investigation, which was a critical component in dismantling a significant drug trafficking operation. The OCDETF program, whose mission is to identify and dismantle major criminal organizations responsible for illegal drug supplies, played a pivotal role in this case.

Defense counsel for Lucas-Ramos is Paula Notari Esq., of New York. This case serves as a stark reminder of the relentless efforts by law enforcement to combat drug trafficking across the nation.

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