In a shocking turn of events, a former Guatemalan mayor has been brought to justice for his involvement in a massive cocaine trafficking operation. Romeo Ramos Cruz, 58, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to import more than five kilograms of cocaine into the United States.
According to court documents, Ramos Cruz served as the mayor of Santa Lucia municipality in Guatemala’s Escuintla Department from 2022 through 2023. During this time, he exploited his official position to facilitate the operations of a Guatemala-based drug trafficking organization. The organization was responsible for transporting cocaine intended for U.S. markets.
Ramos Cruz’s involvement in the conspiracy was extensive. He appointed a known drug trafficker to a high-ranking position in the municipal police force, allowing the organization to operate with relative impunity. He also used his authority as mayor to coordinate logistics and transportation of a cocaine shipment destined for the United States.
In a brazen attempt to disguise the shipment, Ramos Cruz agreed to help disguise the cocaine as a donation of cement to his municipality. He even prepared a fake receipt to support the ruse. However, his scheme was ultimately uncovered, and he was extradited from Guatemala to the United States in August 2025.
Ramos Cruz’s guilty plea is a significant blow to the Guatemala-based drug trafficking organization. The exact sentence he will face has not been disclosed, but his involvement in the conspiracy is a clear indication of the severity of his crimes. The case is a testament to the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat international drug trafficking and bring those responsible to justice.
Ramos Cruz’s crimes have far-reaching implications, not only for the United States but also for the people of Guatemala. His exploitation of his official position to facilitate the operations of a drug trafficking organization is a stark reminder of the corruption that plagues some of the world’s most vulnerable communities.
Source: Department of Justice
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