California Man Sentenced for Distributing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl and Firearm Charges

United States Attorney Susan Lehr announced that Ramon Lopez-Larios, age 53, of San Ysidro, California, was sentenced 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 and 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.

On August 18, 2022, Nebraska State Patrol conducted a traffic stop of a California vehicle on I-80 at mile marker 231.  Law enforcement utilized a K-9, which indicated to the presence of narcotics.  Law enforcement then searched the vehicle and located two statues.  Law enforcement used a Viken Backscatter X-ray machine, and it showed concealed packages inside the statues.  Troopers tested the packages, and they contained meth.  Law enforcement seized 59 pounds of meth and 9 pounds of fentanyl from the vehicle.  Upon further investigation, a firearm was located inside a bucket in the back of the vehicle.  Law enforcement confirmed that Lopez-Larios is an illegal alien.  In addition, $2,900.00 in U.S. currency was seized from Lopez-Larios’ pants pocket.

This case was investigated by the Nebraska State Patrol.