ALBUQUERQUE – In a stunning blow to the drug trade, two Mexican nationals were sentenced to over 17 and 22 years in federal prison for their roles in a sophisticated drug ring operating out of Albuquerque. The investigation, led by the DEA El Paso Division, uncovered methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and multiple firearms at the suspects’ residence.
Martin Aispuro-Lopez, 27, was caught selling drugs to an undercover DEA agent on three separate occasions. During a search warrant executed on December 12, 2023, agents recovered four loaded firearms and substantial quantities of narcotics from Lopez’s home, including cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
Victor Manuel Felix-Ramirez, 24, was also arrested at the same residence. Ramirez, who had been removed twice before in 2019, admitted participating in Lopez’s drug trafficking activities. Authorities discovered two firearms at Ramirez’s residence – one loaded and equipped with a machine gun conversion device – along with fentanyl pills.
The sentencing judge referred to Ramirez as a ‘trusted soldier’ for the Sinaloa Cartel, noting his ties to the Culiacanazo battle in 2019. Lopez pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and received a sentence of 17 years. Ramirez was sentenced to 22 and a half years for possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and using a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.
Both men will be subject to deportation upon their release from prison. The investigation was conducted by the DEA El Paso Division, Homeland Security Investigations El Paso, and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Nichols prosecuting the case.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison and Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s El Paso Division, announced the sentences today. The sentences serve as a stark reminder of the government’s commitment to dismantling drug rings and their affiliated criminal organizations.
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Key Facts
- State: New Mexico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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