United States of America v. Wilson Robert Mero-Castro, Ruben Wilson Mero-Vera and Gabriel Cruz-Joya

Mobile, Alabama, criminal defense lawyer represented the Defendant charged with conspiracy to distribute cocaine on board a vessel

An individual may not knowingly or intentionally manufacture or distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance on board a vessel of the United States or a vessel subject to the jurisdiction of the United States; 46:70506(b) Conspiracy to violate Title 46 U.S.C. 70503,

On March 3, 2025, while on routine patrol in the Eastern Pacific Ocean, United States Coast Guard (USCG) Cutter Kimball detected a vessel that was suspected of smuggling drugs. The vessel was without nationality in international waters, had visible packages onboard, fuel barrels on deck, and three outboard engines.

The Kimball intercepted the drug smuggling vessel, which became compliant following USCG presence. The USCG boarding team confirmed the packages on board were consistent with cocaine. The boarding team then transferred the six individuals onboard and the cocaine back to the Kimball. Once onboard, the boarding team was able to determine the weight of the cocaine was approximately 1,828 kilograms and the six crew members . Wilson Robert Mero-Castro to 108 months’ imprisonment, Ruben Wilson Mero-Vera to 108 months’ imprisonment, and Gabriel Cruz-Joya to 120 . were brought the United States and charged under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.

The case was investigated by the United States Coast Guard and the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations.

Assistant United States Attorney George F. May prosecuted the case on behalf of the United States.

This case was prosecuted as a part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.

Judge Moorer sentenced Wilson Robert Mero-Castro to 108 months’ imprisonment, Ruben Wilson Mero-Vera to 108 months’ imprisonment, and Gabriel Cruz-Joya to 120 months’ imprisonment for their roles in the drug smuggling.