Ramon Lopez-Larios, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Distribution, Nebraska 2024

A California man has been sentenced to 13.8 years in federal prison for distributing massive amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in Nebraska.

Ramon Lopez-Larios, 53, of San Ysidro, California, was sentenced on August 6, 2024, in federal court in Lincoln, Nebraska, for possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 100 grams or more of fentanyl, as well as for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

Senior United States District Judge John M. Gerrard sentenced Lopez-Larios to 168 months' imprisonment. There is no parole in the federal system.

After Lopez-Larios is released from prison, he will begin a 5-year term of supervised release. He will also forfeit $2,900.00 in U.S. currency to the United States as drug proceeds.

The investigation began on August 18, 2022, when the Nebraska State Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a California vehicle on I-80 at mile marker 231.

A K-9 unit was used to search the vehicle, which indicated the presence of narcotics. A search of the vehicle revealed two statues that contained concealed packages of methamphetamine.

A Viken Backscatter X-ray machine was used to confirm the presence of the packages. The packages were then tested and found to contain methamphetamine.

Troopers seized 59 pounds of methamphetamine and 9 pounds of fentanyl from the vehicle. A firearm was also located in the back of the vehicle, inside a bucket. Lopez-Larios was confirmed to be an illegal alien.

The Nebraska State Patrol led the investigation into this case.

Defendant: Ramon Lopez-Larios

Criminal Charges: Possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute 100 grams or more of fentanyl, being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

City and State: Lincoln, Nebraska

Exact Date: August 18, 2022 (traffic stop), August 6, 2024 (sentencing)

Sentence or Outcome: 168 months' imprisonment, 5-year term of supervised release, forfeiture of $2,900.00 in U.S. currency

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ne/pr/california-man-sentenced-distributing-methamphetamine-and-fentanyl-and-firearm-charges