Court Sentences Drug Smugglers Caught On The High Seas With Over 1,800 Kilograms Of Cocaine

On January 16, 2026, United States District Court Judge Terry F. Moorer sentenced three co-defendants for smuggling approximately 1,828 kilograms of cocaine in the Pacific Ocean following their prior guilty pleas on the charges. 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. Denny Andres Mero Anchundia was previously sentenced to 235 months’ imprisonment. Co-defendant David Alonzo Uribe-Mendoza remains to be sentenced. Court documents show that 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 were brought the United States and charged under the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.