In a significant development for US law enforcement in the fight against cartel-related drug trafficking, Jose Ramon Castillo-Lopez, also known as “Pepo,” has been sentenced to life in federal prison, according to a statement from the US Attorney’s Office on Thursday. The Mexican national, who was illegally residing in Texas, was the ringleader of a drug trafficking organization (DTO) with ties to a Mexican cartel.
According to court documents cited by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas, “Pepo” orchestrated a significant trafficking operation distributing hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine, large quantities of cocaine, and significant amounts of heroin and fentanyl “M30” pills. The drugs were being transported to various cities in Texas and even as far as Mississippi. Meanwhile, Castillo-Lopez utilized a garage in Midland for illicit activities, transforming stolen vehicles into
Castillo-Lopez’s leadership was exposed after he was arrested on separate charges of attempted capital murder against a Seminole, Texas police officer; subsequent investigations and intercepted jail calls confirmed his command position within the DTO, as well as his directive to co-defendants Myra Mendez and her brother Aaron Mendez to continue DTO operations stateside, according to DEA details.
“This federal life sentence is a significant victory for the United States in combatting the Mexican cartels and their drug trafficking organizations,” said US Attorney Jaime Esparza for the Western District of Texas. Esparza commended the joint effort of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies in obtaining this conviction, as well as their continuous dedication to public safety and criminal justice. DEA Special Agent in Charge Towanda R. Thorne-James echoed this sentiment by emphasizing the dangers Castillo-Lopez’s actions posed to communities. “Mr. Castillo-Lopez now has a lifetime to contemplate the terrible choices he made,” the DEA El Paso Division’s leading agent stated.
The intensive investigation that led to Castillo-Lopez’s sentencing was a collaborative effort involving the DEA, Texas Department of Public Safety, Midland Sheriff’s Office, Odessa Police Department, and Midland Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Sloane leading the prosecution.
