United States Drug Enforcement Administration

AMARILLO, Texas - Two men from California, Erasmo Ramirez-Romero and Jorge Ramirez, appeared yesterday afternoon before U.S. District Judge Sidney A. Fitzwater, and pleaded guilty to their roles in a fentanyl distribution conspiracy, announced Special Agent in Charge Clyde E. Shelley, Jr. of the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Attorney Erin Nealy Cox of the Northern District of Texas.

Ramirez-Romero, 31, and Ramirez, 22, each pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. The defendants face a maximum sentence of not more than 20 years in federal prison and a $1 million fine. Judge Fitzwater set a sentencing date of July 11, 2018.

According to documents filed in the case, on January 14, 2018, law enforcement was working routine patrol in Carson County, Texas stopped a 2005 Nissan Altima for driving in the left lane when not passing. The officer made contact with the driver of the vehicle, who was later identified as Ramirez, and the passenger, who was later identified as Ramirez- Romero. The officer noticed indicators of possible criminal activity and inconsistencies with Ramirez’s and Romero’s stories about their trip.

Ramirez consented to a search of the vehicle. During the search of the vehicle, law enforcement located four bundles of Fentanyl, weighing approximately 10 pounds, in the passenger side quarter panel in the trunk.

The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Joshua Frausto is in charge of the prosecution.