A massive cocaine-trafficking ring in Louisville, Kentucky, has been brought to justice, with three Mexican Nationals sentenced for their roles in the conspiracy.
Imanol Pineda Penaloza, 37, and Efrain Villa Villanueva, 24, were found guilty by a federal jury in May 2018, while Sergio Aguilar Piedra, 25, pleaded guilty to the same charges. The defendants were part of a conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine from November 2015 until March 2018.
The evidence presented in court established that the defendants continued to distribute kilogram quantities of cocaine and other drugs in Louisville and elsewhere in 2016 and 2017. The amount of cocaine involved in the conspiracy was approximately 100 kilograms.
On November 4, 2015, the Narcotics Enforcement Unit with the Lexington Police Department executed a search warrant at an address on Lonan Court in Lexington, seizing nearly 19 kilograms of cocaine, approximately $400,000 in U.S. currency, and two firearms.
Imanol Pineda Penaloza was sentenced to a term of 340 months, while Efrain Villa Villanueva was sentenced to 200 months. Sergio Aguilar Piedra was previously sentenced to 125 months. Each defendant must serve 85% of his federal prison sentence.
Upon their release from prison, each defendant will face deportation to Mexico. The investigation and prosecution were successful due to the good work of and cooperation among federal, state, and local law enforcement.
Key Facts
- State: Kentucky
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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