Willian Estuardo Lemus Lara, Cocaine Trafficking, California 2019

San Diego, CA - June 14, 2019: A suspected high-level cartel boss from Central America was arraigned in federal court today on maritime cocaine trafficking charges. According to the documents filed in court, Willian Estuardo Lemus Lara, the manager of the transportation and distribution cell, was responsible for facilitating multi-ton quantity cocaine loads via go-fast vessels on the high seas originating from Colombia and Ecuador to Costa Rica and Guatemala.

The United States alleged that Lemus sold his cocaine loads to Mexican drug trafficking organizations for transportation to the United States. The United States further alleged that Lemus was involved in a two-year conspiracy and that he directed the movement of large quantities of cocaine in go-fast vessels across international waters, including facilitating refueling vessels on the high seas during their journey north.

Lemus was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 18, 2018. He was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on board a vessel, and international conspiracy to distribute cocaine. U.S. Magistrate Judge Andy Schopler ordered the defendant detained without bond.

During the investigation, federal agents seized approximately 5,900 kilograms, or 13,000 pounds, of cocaine. This case is the result of ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a partnership that brings together the combined expertise of federal, state and local law enforcement.

“Federal law enforcement officials worked together in three countries to successfully disrupt a dangerous drug trafficking ring that sought to smuggle thousands of kilograms of cocaine into the United States,” said U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer. “Through effective partnerships and outstanding investigation, we intercepted significant loads of this highly addictive stimulant, stripped traffickers of drug profits, and helped to safeguard our communities.”

Lemus’ next hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2019, before U.S. District Judge Dana M. Sabraw. Defendant information: Willian Estuardo Lemus Lara. Criminal charges: Conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine on board a vessel, and international conspiracy to distribute cocaine. City and state: San Diego, California. Exact date: June 14, 2019. Sentence or outcome: Detained without bond.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/suspected-high-level-guatemalan-drug-trafficker-arraigned-san-diego-charges-he-moved