Two Nicaraguan Nationals Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Marijuana Trafficking
In a recent court hearing, two Nicaraguan nationals, Maximo Zacarias and Bernacio Solares Ramon, were sentenced to 10 years in prison each for their involvement in a massive marijuana trafficking operation. The operation was uncovered on September 27, 2023, when a maritime patrol aircraft detected a go-fast vessel (GFV) in international waters, approximately 97 nautical miles southwest of Malpelo Island, Colombia.
The US Coast Guard Cutter James, a National Security Cutter, was dispatched to intercept the vessel. After receiving authorization, the cutter launched a helicopter to make contact with the GFV, which was then ordered to stop by activating blue warning lights and firing three warning shots. However, the vessel failed to comply, leading the cutter’s crew to disable its engines.
During a subsequent search of the vessel, authorities found three individuals, including Zacarias, Ramon, and Alexis Martinez, as well as 4,610 pounds of marijuana and several electronic devices in a five-gallon bucket. Martinez had previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and was sentenced to two years and six months in prison in January.
Zacarias and Ramon were convicted of possession with intent to distribute over two tons of marijuana on the high seas while in international waters on a stateless vessel. They were sentenced on April 24, 2025, to 10 years in prison each. The convictions were a result of their violation of the Maritime Drug Law Enforcement Act.
