Sept. 10, 2010

TRUCK DRIVER SENTENCED FOR SMUGGLING 60+ POUNDS OF COCAINE

TOPEKA, KAN. – Jose Rodriguez-Ramirez, 46, has been sentenced to 51 months in federal prison without parole for smuggling more than 60 pounds of cocaine, U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom said today.

Rodriguez-Ramirez pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. In his plea, he admitted he was driving a truck tractor and trailer on April 29, 2010, when the Kansas Highway Patrol pulled him over on Interstate 70 in Wabaunsee County, Kan. Troopers searched the truck and found 30 kilograms (more than 66 pounds) of cocaine hidden in a natural void below the decking of the trailer over the hitch linking the trailer to the tractor.

In an unrelated drug case, Crispin Jimenez-Zambada, 23, Kansas City, Mo., was sentenced Friday to 70 months in federal prison. He pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. In his plea, he admitted the Kansas Highway Patrol stopped his Dodge Caravan on Feb. 16, 2010, on I-70 near mile post 226 in Ellsworth County, Kan. Troopers found 3,409 grams (more than 7.5 pounds) of methamphetamine hidden in a compartment beneath the vehicle’s windshield.

Grissom commended the Kansas Highway Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Duston Slinkard for their work on both cases.