BOISE – Ramon G. Zamarripa, 54, of Twin Falls, Idaho, was indicted yesterday by a federal grand jury in Boise on three counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking offenses, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced.

The indictment alleges that on or about March 12, 2012, a search of Zamarripa’s residence found quantities of marijuana and methamphetamine along with evidence that he intended to distribute the drugs. A .25 caliber handgun was also found in Zamarripa's possession, along with a loaded magazine of .25 caliber ammunition.

The charge of possessing a controlled substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute is punishable by up to five years in prison, a maximum fine of $8 million and a minimum term of four years of supervised release. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense is punishable by not less than five years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

The case was investigated by the Twin Falls Police Department.

An indictment is a means of charging a person with criminal activity. It is not evidence. The person is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.