Houston Meth Conspirator Sentenced to 17.5 Years in Federal Prison
A 36-year-old Mexican citizen illegally residing in Houston has been sentenced for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani announced.
Federal jury convicted Alberto Ramos-Nogueda on February 7 after deliberating for less than five hours. U.S. District Judge Sim Lake sentenced Ramos-Nogueda to 210 months in federal prison. As he is not a U.S. citizen, he is expected to face removal proceedings following his imprisonment.
Judge Lake noted that Ramos-Nogueda played a significant role in the conspiracy and chose to participate in distributing a large quantity of methamphetamine, a dangerous substance. “Seventeen kilos of crystal meth is a lot of deadly meth for any size city,” said Hamdani. “Had Ramos-Nogueda been successful in bringing the drugs into Conroe, many there and in nearby communities could have fallen victim to meth’s deadly effects. Thanks to law enforcement’s efforts, including chasing him into the woods, Ramos-Nogueda’s attempt to destroy lives for profit ended in prison.”
In May 2022, law enforcement observed Ramos-Nogueda at a hotel in north Houston, where he carried a large cardboard box into a room. He left the hotel with Hector Hernandez-Velasquez, placed the box into his vehicle, and drove north on Highway 45 toward Conroe. When authorities attempted to stop them, both men fled on foot. Hernandez-Velasquez was apprehended quickly, while Ramos-Nogueda fled into the woods but was captured a few hours later.
Authorities seized the box, discovering over 17 kilograms of crystal meth. Hernandez-Velasquez, 49, illegally residing in Pharr, previously pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on October 24, facing up to life in prison and a possible $10 million fine.
Ramos-Nogueda will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility. The investigation was conducted by the Houston Police Department and Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Conroe Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Stabe and Jimmy Leo prosecuted the case.
