International trafficker in Lane County sentenced after nearly 200 lbs of drugs seized

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A man who led an international drug trafficking organization in Lane County was sentenced to federal prison on Tuesday after authorities seized almost 200 pounds of drugs and over a dozen guns from the ring, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Oregon.

The organization's leader, 33-year-old Victor Diaz-Ramirez, was sentenced to 11 years in prison with five years’ supervised release after trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine from Mexico to Oregon between 2018 and 2020, authorities said.

During the investigation, authorities seized nearly 180 pounds of meth, 12 pounds of heroin, and six pounds of fentanyl along with 18 rifles, three rifle optics, and ammunition.

Investigators also forfeited about $1.2 million from the organization, including more than $400,000 in cash.

In August 2020, a federal grand jury in Eugene charged Diaz-Ramirez with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He later pleaded guilty to one count superseding criminal information, charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute meth.

Nathan Lichvarcik, chief of the U.S. Attorney's Office Eugene and Medford Branch Offices, lauded the sentencing as the state grapples with an addiction crisis.

“While communities across our state continue to struggle with the ongoing drug crisis, there are criminal enterprises, like the Diaz-Ramirez drug trafficking organization, whose sole purpose is to profit from addiction and suffering. This far-reaching investigation demonstrates the deep commitment of all involved law enforcement agencies to combatting drug trafficking and keeping our communities safe,” Lichvarcik said in a press release.

“Drug traffickers like Mr. Diaz-Ramirez prey on our communities by peddling large amounts of methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine, often to our most vulnerable,” added David F. Reames, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Seattle Field Division. “I am gratified that the hard work of DEA, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our many partners from law enforcement agencies across Oregon led to the lengthy sentence Mr. Diaz-Ramirez received in this case. Justice was truly served.”

Diaz-Ramirez's sentencing comes after 35 people -- including suppliers in Mexico, couriers, and associates in Lane County and around Eugene -- have been convicted for their roles in the drug ring, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.