United States Drug Enforcement Administration

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Caribbean Division joins the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and its Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) partners in announcing four guilty pleas and four sentences during the week of October 19–23, 2026.

The results include a 17-year prison sentence for a drug trafficking conspiracy and a 10-year sentence for a federal drug trafficking offense. These prosecutions reflect the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local partners to hold offenders accountable and strengthen public safety throughout Puerto Rico.

Convictions Through Guilty Pleas

On October 22, Steven Nieves-Ríos pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine and conspiracy to unlawfully bring noncitizens into the United States. Nieves-Ríos was arrested on September 12, 2025. Special Assistant United States Attorney Cody McKinney is prosecuting the case.

On October 23, Julio Jeury Tejada Contreras pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import five kilograms or more of cocaine, carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and attempted reentry after removal from the United States. Tejada Contreras was arrested on June 11, 2026. Special Assistant United States Attorney Cody McKinney is prosecuting the case.

On October 23, José Ayala-Rivera pleaded guilty to conspiracy to receive, transfer, and/or send firearms through a common carrier without providing written notice. Ayala-Rivera was arrested on April 30, 2026. His sentencing is scheduled for January 25, 2027.

On October 23, Joselin A. Méndez-De Jesús pleaded guilty to illegal reentry after previously being removed from the United States following a felony conviction. United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll sentenced Méndez-De Jesús to time served.

Prison Sentences

On October 20, United States District Court Judge Gina Méndez-Miró sentenced Sergio Ramírez-Payano to 12 months in prison for possessing a machinegun. Ramírez-Payano pleaded guilty on July 21, 2026. Assistant United States Attorney Joseph Russell prosecuted the case.

On October 22, United States District Court Judge Silvia Carreño-Coll sentenced Yanzie Vázquez-González to 17 years in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute. Vázquez-González pleaded guilty on July 22, 2026. Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Díaz-González and Andres Orr prosecuted the case.

On October 23, United States District Court Judge Camille Vélez-Rivé sentenced Carlos Gutiérrez-Santana to 10 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for a federal drug trafficking offense. Gutiérrez-Santana pleaded guilty on July 21, 2026. Assistant United States Attorneys Antonio Pérez and Myriam Fernández prosecuted the case.

A Shared Mission to Protect Our Communities

These prosecutions are part of the HSTF initiative established by Executive Order 14159, Protecting the American People Against Invasion. The initiative brings together federal, state, and local agencies to investigate and prosecute criminal cartels, transnational criminal organizations, foreign gangs, and human smuggling and trafficking networks.

As a member of HSTF San Juan, DEA Caribbean Division contributes to a coordinated law enforcement effort that combines investigative resources, intelligence, and prosecutorial expertise to confront drug trafficking and related violence.

HSTF San Juan includes federal law enforcement agencies, the United States Attorney’s Offices for Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico/U.S. Virgin Islands HIDTA, and state, territorial, and municipal partners. Together, these agencies work to disrupt criminal organizations and protect communities across both jurisdictions.