Mexican National Sentenced to More Than 11 Years in Federal Prison for Major Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking Conspiracy

PORTLAND, Ore. — A Mexican national unlawfully residing in the United States has been sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for his role in a large-scale drug trafficking conspiracy involving more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and hundreds of fentanyl pills, federal prosecutors announced.

Carlos Manuel Perez Lopez, 43, was sentenced last week to 136 months in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

According to court records, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) task force investigators identified Perez Lopez as a significant local narcotics distributor during an investigation in September 2024.

On Sept. 13, 2024, investigators learned Perez Lopez was expecting a shipment of illegal drugs and followed him to a truck stop in Aurora, where he briefly met with two men near a blue semi-truck displaying Mexican license plates and a temporary Texas registration.

Authorities later stopped Perez Lopez as he drove a Toyota Camry near Tigard. After a drug detection canine alerted to the vehicle, investigators searched the car and discovered more than 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and approximately 820 grams of fentanyl pills concealed in the trunk.

At the same time, investigators continued tracking the semi-truck as it traveled north on Interstate 5. Shortly after Perez Lopez’s arrest, the truck exited the freeway and stopped at a public rest area near Wilsonville, about three miles from the Aurora truck stop. The occupants fled the vehicle, leaving it running.

A subsequent search of the truck uncovered approximately 209.68 pounds of methamphetamine hidden inside suitcases in the cab.

Perez Lopez was initially charged by criminal complaint on Sept. 14, 2024, with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. On April 1, 2026, he pleaded guilty to a superseding information charging conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney Scott E. Bradford said large-scale drug traffickers profit from addiction while endangering communities and praised the coordinated efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies involved in the investigation.

DEA Seattle Field Division Special Agent in Charge Robert A. Saccone said Perez Lopez chose “profits ahead of human life” by distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, adding that each fentanyl seizure helps protect lives and disrupt the illegal drug supply.

The investigation was conducted by the DEA, Tigard Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Sherwood Police Department, and the Westside Interagency Narcotics Team. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul T. Maloney prosecuted the case.

Federal officials said the prosecution was carried out as part of the Homeland Security Task Force initiative, a multi-agency effort focused on investigating and dismantling transnational criminal organizations, drug trafficking networks, human trafficking operations, and other organized criminal enterprises operating in the United States.