Two Mexican nationals have been sentenced to lengthy federal prison terms following a drug trafficking investigation in Albuquerque. Martin Aispuro-Lopez, 27, received a 17-year sentence, while Victor Manuel Felix-Ramirez, 24, was sentenced to 22 and a half years. Both men were found to be illegally present in the United States.
The case stemmed from an investigation that began between August 2022 and December 2023. During this period, Aispuro-Lopez sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to an undercover agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) on three occasions. Law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in southwest Albuquerque on December 12, 2023. They recovered four loaded firearms as well as large quantities of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine.
At the same location, agents encountered Felix-Ramirez. He had previously been removed from the United States twice in 2019 but had reentered illegally. Agents found two firearms belonging to him—one of which was loaded and modified with a machine gun conversion device—as well as fentanyl pills. Felix-Ramirez admitted his involvement in Lopez’s drug trafficking activities.
During sentencing proceedings, prosecutors presented evidence linking Felix-Ramirez to the Sinaloa Cartel. Items found identified him as a “veteran” of the “Culiacanazo,” referring to the October 17, 2019 confrontation between cartel members and Mexican authorities.
Lopez pleaded guilty to three counts of distribution of methamphetamine. Ramirez pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute fentanyl and using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. The sentencing judge referred to Ramirez as a “trusted soldier” for the organization.
Upon completion of their sentences, both men will be subject to deportation.
Acting U.S. Attorney Ryan Ellison stated: “There is no parole in the federal system.”
Omar Arellano, Special Agent in Charge of DEA’s El Paso Division, joined Ellison in announcing the sentences.
The DEA El Paso Division led the investigation with assistance from Homeland Security Investigations El Paso and the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Blake Nichols prosecuted the case.
