Jose Luis Castillo-Alvarez, Drug Trafficking, Nevada 2025

Two foreign nationals, Jose Luis Castillo-Alvarez and Kevin Omar Cruz-Lima, made their initial court appearances in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Wednesday to face a 12-count indictment in connection to an alleged drug trafficking conspiracy.

According to allegations contained in court documents, Castillo-Alvarez, also known as “Celso Ramses Ibarra-Angulo” and “Oscar,” and Cruz-Lima, also known as “Kevin Omar Lima-Cruz” and “Cesar,” conspired with each other to distribute 100 grams or more of heroin; 50 grams or more of methamphetamine; 10 grams or more of fentanyl; and cocaine from September 2024 to March 27, 2025.

Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima were unlawfully residing in the United States at the time of the alleged crimes. Castillo-Alvarez had been previously deported from the United States on April 20, 2020, and reentered the country illegally.

Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima are each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances; two counts of distribution of heroin; one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm; and two counts of possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime.

Additionally, Castillo-Alvarez is charged with one count of deported alien found in the United States and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Cruz-Lima is charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine; one count of possession with intent to distribute heroin; one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl; and one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

United States Magistrate Judge Youchah scheduled a jury trial before United States District Judge Richard F. Boulware II to begin on June 30, 2025. If convicted, both Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima face the total maximum statutory penalty of confinement for life.

This case was investigated by ATF, the ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig and Special Assistant United States Attorney Clay Plummer are prosecuting the case.

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