FLORIDA — A Bradenton man has pleaded guilty to conspiring to smuggle hundreds of kilograms of cocaine for distribution in Central Florida.
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On Thursday, United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg announced that Jose Ramirez, 39, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. Mr Ramirez faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years, up to life, in federal prison. A sentencing date has not yet been scheduled.
According to the plea agreement, after being released from prison for drug trafficking, Ramirez became part of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) that imported cocaine from Mexico through the Texas border.
The cocaine was transported to Manatee County for distribution via hidden compartments inside passenger vehicles.
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Between 2021 and 2023, Mr Ramirez received at least 20 kilograms of cocaine per month, which he later distributed. Members of this conspiracy reportedly transported the drug proceeds back to Texas on commercial flights, hiding the cash inside carry-on luggage. They then smuggled it back across the Mexican border.
During the course of this investigation, DEA agents seized large amounts of drug proceeds from the DTO, including nearly $300,000 from a co-conspirator outside of a bank in Bradenton. They also reported seizing approximately $500,000 from a tractor-trailer in Gulfport, Mississippi.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with substantial assistance provided by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department, and the Gulfport Police Department (Mississippi). It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes.
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