Robert J. "Bob" Troester U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Oklahoma
A federal jury in Oklahoma City has found Gustavo De Alba, 48, of Los Angeles, California, guilty of drug conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.
De Alba was stopped by law enforcement on June 13, 2025, while driving on Interstate 40 near Sayre, Oklahoma. Authorities used a K-9 unit that alerted officers to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A search led to the discovery of about 30 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in an after-market compartment behind the backseat. Both De Alba and his passenger, Walter Luis Zapata Manzanares, 36, also from Los Angeles, were arrested at the scene.
On July 1, 2025, a federal grand jury indicted both men for drug conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. After a two-day trial that concluded on February 18, 2026, De Alba was convicted on both charges. Zapata Manzanares had previously pleaded guilty to drug conspiracy charges on October 9, 2025.
De Alba could face up to life in federal prison and fines reaching $20 million at sentencing. Zapata Manzanares faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine up to $1 million.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Drew E. Davis are handling the prosecution.
According to officials, this case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide effort led by the Department of Justice aimed at countering illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
"Reference is made to public filings for additional information."
