Federal investigation leads to life sentence for cartel-linked drug trafficker overseeing distribution in Texas and Mississippi
Texas – A Mexican national residing unlawfully in Texas has been sentenced to life in federal prison for his leadership role in a drug trafficking organization linked to a Mexican cartel. The sentencing was handed down on Thursday following a detailed investigation into the defendant’s extensive criminal operations.
Large-Scale Drug Distribution Network
Jose Ramon Castillo-Lopez, also known as “Pepo,” is a 30-year-old native of Namiquipa, Chihuahua, Mexico. According to court documents, he led a drug trafficking organization responsible for distributing massive quantities of illicit narcotics throughout multiple states. The operation was primarily based in Texas, with narcotics being moved to locations such as Midland/Odessa, San Antonio, Amarillo, San Angelo, and even reaching Mississippi.
Castillo-Lopez was responsible for distributing between 100 and 300 pounds of methamphetamine per month, in addition to more than 20 kilograms of cocaine and hundreds of grams of fentanyl “M30” pills and heroin. He supplied his co-conspirators not only with narcotics but also with firearms to protect their drug operations.
Authorities discovered that Castillo-Lopez used a garage in Midland as a central hub where stolen vehicles were disassembled and repurposed as load vehicles for smuggling drugs and drug money.
Connection to an Attempted Capital Murder Case
On October 1, 2022, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents learned that Castillo-Lopez had been arrested and charged with attempted capital murder after allegedly shooting a police officer in Seminole, Texas. His incarceration provided a breakthrough for law enforcement, as an analysis of his jail phone calls revealed that he was still actively leading his drug trafficking network from behind bars.
During his time in custody, Castillo-Lopez gave detailed instructions to two of his co-conspirators—his girlfriend, Myra Mendez, and her brother, Aaron Mendez—directing them to continue the drug trafficking operation in the United States on his behalf.
Federal Conviction and Sentencing
Castillo-Lopez pleaded guilty on September 23, 2024, to one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine and 5 kilograms or more of a mixture containing cocaine.
His leadership role and the vast quantities of drugs trafficked led to his life sentence in federal prison.
“This federal life sentence is a significant victory for the United States in combatting the Mexican cartels and their drug trafficking organizations,” said U.S. Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. “Castillo-Lopez was responsible for orchestrating the movement of massive amounts of dangerous narcotics into our country and through our communities. This case is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. Together, we prioritize the safety of Americans and will bring the full force of justice to criminal organizations.”
The DEA’s Response
DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James emphasized the significance of Castillo-Lopez’s conviction.
“Mr. Castillo-Lopez now has a lifetime to contemplate the terrible choices he made,” Thorne-James said. “He willingly put the lives of Texans and Mississippians at risk and now he’s facing the consequences. The men and women of the DEA will continue to bring other drug traffickers like him to their own day of reckoning.”
The investigation was conducted by the DEA, with assistance from the Texas Department of Public Safety, Midland Sheriff’s Office, Odessa Police Department, and the Midland Police Department.
