Jason M. Frierson U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of Nevada
Two foreign nationals who were residing unlawfully in the United States have been brought to court in Las Vegas. They are facing a 12-count indictment for their alleged involvement in a drug trafficking scheme. This scheme involved the distribution of heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine, along with the unlawful possession of firearms, including a privately made firearm.
Court documents allege that from September 2024 to March 27, 2025, Jose Luis Castillo-Alvarez (also known as “Celso Ramses Ibarra-Angulo” and “Oscar”) and Kevin Omar Cruz-Lima (also known as “Kevin Omar Lima-Cruz” and “Cesar”) conspired to distribute significant quantities of controlled substances: 100 grams or more of heroin, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, 10 grams or more of fentanyl, and cocaine. It is further alleged that on March 27, 2025, the defendants possessed an AM15 5.56x45mm semiautomatic rifle and a privately made 9x19mm semiautomatic pistol to support their drug trafficking activities. Both Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima were unlawfully in the United States during the alleged offenses, with Castillo-Alvarez previously deported from the U.S.
Heroin, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine fall under Schedule I and Schedule II controlled substances under U.S. law.
Both defendants face charges including one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and two counts of possession of a firearm in connection with a drug trafficking crime. Castillo-Alvarez faces an additional charge as a deported alien found in the United States. Kevin Omar Cruz-Lima is charged further with intent to distribute methamphetamine, heroin, fentanyl, and cocaine.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Youchah has slated a jury trial for June 30, 2025, under U.S. District Judge Richard F. Boulware II’s supervision.
If found guilty, Castillo-Alvarez and Cruz-Lima could face a maximum statutory life sentence.
The announcement of the indictment was made by United States Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada, Jennifer Cicolani, Special Agent in Charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Michael Bernacke, Director of the Salt Lake City Field Office.
The investigation of the case was conducted by ATF, ICE Salt Lake City, Las Vegas Sub-Office, and the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dan Cowhig and Special Assistant United States Attorney Clay Plummer.
This case is part of "Operation Take Back America," an initiative involving the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and tackle transnational criminal organizations while safeguarding communities from violent crime. It is designed to coordinate the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhoods.
The indictment remains an allegation, and both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
