Trafficker convicted after nearly 200 pounds of drugs seized

Meth and fentanyl seized during car theft operation in Portland, July 14, 2023 (PPB)

PORTLAND, OregonKOIN) – A man who ran an international drug trafficking organization in Lane County was sentenced Tuesday to federal prison after authorities seized nearly 200 pounds of drugs and more than a dozen weapons from the network , according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon.

The leader of the organization, Victor Diaz-Ramirez, 33, was sentenced to 11 years in prison with five years of supervised release after trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine from Mexico to Oregon between 2018 and 2020, authorities said.

During the investigation, authorities seized nearly 180 pounds of methamphetamine, 12 pounds of heroin and six pounds of fentanyl as well as 18 rifles, three rifle optics and ammunition.

Investigators also confiscated approximately $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash.

In August 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene charged Diaz-Ramirez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He later pleaded guilty to one count superseding criminal information, charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

Nathan Lichvarcik, head of the U.S. attorney's offices in Eugene and Medford, welcomed the conviction as the state grapples with a drug crisis.

“As communities across our state continue to struggle with the ongoing drug crisis, there are criminal enterprises, like the Diaz-Ramirez drug trafficking organization, whose sole purpose is to profit from addiction and suffering. This wide-ranging investigation demonstrates the deep commitment of all law enforcement agencies involved in the fight against drug trafficking and the safety of our communities,” Lichvarcik said in a press release.

“Drug traffickers like Mr. Diaz-Ramirez prey on our communities by selling large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine, often to the most vulnerable,” added David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge. the Seattle Field Division of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. . “I am pleased that the hard work of the DEA, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and our many law enforcement partners in Oregon led to the lengthy sentence imposed on Mr. Diaz-Ramirez in this case. Justice has truly been served.

Diaz-Ramirez's sentencing comes after 35 people — including suppliers in Mexico, couriers and associates in Lane County and surrounding Eugene — were sentenced for their roles in the drug ring, according to the state's office. US Attorney.