Sean P. Costello U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Alabama
On January 16, 2026, three individuals were sentenced in the United States District Court for their involvement in smuggling over 1,800 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 been sentenced to 235 months. A fifth defendant, David Alonzo Uribe-Mendoza, is still awaiting sentencing.
According to court records, on March 3, 2025, the United States Coast Guard Cutter Kimball was conducting a routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean when it identified a vessel suspected of drug smuggling. The vessel was found without nationality in international waters and carried visible packages and fuel barrels on deck along with three outboard engines.
The Coast Guard intercepted the vessel and found that those onboard complied with their orders. The boarding team determined that the packages contained cocaine. The six individuals and the drugs were transferred onto the Kimball. Authorities later confirmed that approximately 1,828 kilograms of cocaine were seized from the operation. All six crew members were brought to the United States and charged under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.
U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello announced these developments: "U.S. Attorney Sean P. Costello made the announcement."
The investigation involved both the United States Coast Guard and Homeland Security Investigations under 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 led by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling transnational criminal organizations.
