Bradenton man smuggled drugs across Mexican border into Manatee County, prosecutors say
A Bradenton man is facing federal prison after smuggling cocaine across the Mexican border for distribution in Manatee County and Central Florida, prosecutors announced.
Jose Ramirez, 39, appeared in a Tampa courtroom on Aug. 29 where court records show he pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine. Prosecutors say Ramirez was part of a drug trafficking organization that had nearly $300,000 in drug proceeds seized by federal agents outside a Bradenton bank.
Prosecutors say Ramirez and the drug trafficking organization imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from Mexico through the Texas border. This cocaine was then transported to Manatee County for distribution via hidden compartments inside passenger vehicles, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Florida.
Between 2021 and 2023, prosecutors say Ramirez received at least 20 kilograms of cocaine per month, which he later distributed. Other members of the drug trafficking organization would allegedly bring drug proceeds back to Texas on commercial flights, hiding the cash inside carry-on luggage before smuggling it back across the Mexican border, according to a news release.
During the investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration agents seized large amounts of drug proceeds from the organization, including nearly $300,000 from a co-conspirator outside of a Bradenton bank. Prosecutors say agents also seized approximately $500,000 from a tractor-trailer in Gulfport, Mississippi.
Ramirez faces up to life in federal prison and a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the Florida Highway Patrol, the Tampa Police Department and the Gulfport Police Department.
