Modesto Man Sentenced To 18 Years In Prison For Methamphetamine, Marijuana, And Firearm Charges

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Ramiro Suarez, 47, of Modesto, was sentenced today by United States District Judge William B. Shubb to 18 years in prison for conspiracy to manufacture, to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute marijuana, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and being an alien in possession of a firearm, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced.

According to court documents, from November 17, 2008, until July 14, 2009, Suarez conspired with a number of people to cultivate and distribute more than a thousand marijuana plants, and distribute more than a kilogram of methamphetamine.

According to statements made during the sentencing hearing today, Suarez sold undercover agents an AK-47 and ammunition magazine, and during the search of Suarez’s home, agents found methamphetamine, marijuana seeds, three more firearms, processed marijuana, and a digital scale.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the California Department of Justice, and the Mountain and Valley Marijuana Investigation Team (MAVMIT). Assistant United States Attorneys Heiko Coppola and Olusere Olowoyeye prosecuted the case.