Jorge Campos-Oliva, also known as "Peluda," was sentenced on April 17 to 10 years in federal prison for his role in an international cocaine distribution conspiracy. Campos-Oliva, a Guatemalan national who was extradited to the United States, admitted his involvement in distributing multi-ton quantities of cocaine from at least 2017 through 2020.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by U.S. authorities to combat high-level drug trafficking organizations that move large amounts of cocaine from South America through Central America and Mexico into the United States. The case resulted from a multi-year wiretap investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations targeting traffickers operating out of northwest Guatemala and their suppliers.
According to public documents, Campos-Oliva worked with a drug trafficking organization based in Guatemala City. He distributed cocaine that was later sent on to other organizations in Huehuetenango, Guatemala or southern Mexico before ultimately reaching the United States. During the investigation, agents intercepted thousands of messages and photos showing bricks of cocaine. Campos-Oliva admitted he distributed at least 2,000 kilograms during his participation.
Campos-Oliva was indicted in July 2020 for conspiracy to distribute cocaine intended for unlawful importation into the United States under Title 21 U.S.C., Sections 959, 960 and 963. He was arrested on August 31, 2021 in Guatemala following a U.S. extradition request and arrived in the United States on February 10, 2022. One month after his extradition, the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctioned the Los Huistas Drug Trafficking Organization and some leaders linked by intercepted communications.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said: "The Department of Justice will aggressively pursue high-level drug traffickers who earmark multi-ton quantities of cocaine for the United States... Today’s sentence demonstrates the seriousness of the offense." Kevin Murphy, acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego said: "This significant sentencing demonstrates HSI’s commitment to investigating and dismantling transnational criminal organizations around the world... This HSTF investigation disrupted the organization’s ability to transport ton quantities of cocaine into the United States and safeguarded our communities."
U.S District Judge Dana M. Sabraw determined that Campos-Oliva acted as an organizer or leader within a conspiracy involving extensive coordination with his brother Fabio Campos-Oliva (aka “Black Chivita”), whose sentencing is scheduled for May 1 before Judge Sabraw.
