MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. – Jose Ramirez, 39, of Bradenton, has admitted his involvement in a significant drug trafficking operation. He pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 5 kilograms of cocaine, a crime carrying a potential sentence of 10 years to life in federal prison.
According to court documents, Ramirez, who had previously served time for drug trafficking, joined a criminal network that smuggled cocaine from Mexico into Manatee County.
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The organization used hidden compartments in passenger vehicles to transport the drugs. Ramirez confessed to receiving and distributing at least 20 kilograms of cocaine monthly between 2021 and 2023.
The conspiracy also involved laundering the drug proceeds, smuggling cash back to Mexico via commercial flights and across the border.
The DEA, with assistance from state and local law enforcement, seized substantial sums of money connected to the operation, including nearly $300,000 in Bradenton and approximately $500,000 in Mississippi.
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The Drug Enforcement Administration led the investigation, with support from the Florida Highway Patrol, Tampa Police Department, and the Gulfport Police Department (Mississippi). The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Diego F. Novaes. A sentencing date for Ramirez has not yet been set.
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