On January 16, 2026, three individuals were sentenced in the United States District Court for their involvement in smuggling approximately 1,828 kilograms of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean. Judge Terry F. Moorer handed down sentences to Wilson Robert Mero-Castro and Ruben Wilson Mero-Vera, each receiving 108 months in prison, while Gabriel Cruz-Joya was sentenced to 120 months. Another co-defendant, Denny Andres Mero Anchundia, had previously received a sentence of 235 months. A fifth defendant, David Alonzo Uribe-Mendoza, is still awaiting sentencing.
According to court documents, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Kimball was conducting a routine patrol on March 3, 2025, in the Eastern Pacific Ocean when it identified a vessel suspected of drug smuggling. The vessel lacked nationality and was found in international waters with visible packages and fuel barrels on deck along with three outboard engines.
The Coast Guard intercepted the vessel without incident after making its presence known. Upon boarding, officers confirmed that the packages matched those typically used for transporting cocaine. The six crew members and the seized cocaine were transferred onto the Kimball. Authorities determined that about 1,828 kilograms of cocaine were onboard. All six individuals were transported to the United States and charged under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced these developments.
The investigation involved both the United States Coast Guard and Homeland Security Investigations within the Department of Homeland Security.
Assistant United States Attorney George F. May prosecuted this case for the government.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations to protect communities from violent crime.
