A major drug trafficking operation that funneled cocaine from Mexico into Alabama has been dismantled, with four people now facing serious time behind bars! Jim Carter, Jr., Francisco Lopez, Michael Evans, and Bryce Johnson were all found guilty by a federal jury on May 19th for their roles in the conspiracy. Carter and Lopez are also nailed on an additional charge – possession with intent to distribute. According to the feds, the DEA started sniffing around Carter's activities in 2023. Turns out, Carter was jetting off to Texas, crossing the border into Mexico to keep the operation rolling. Cocaine was then regularly shipped from Texas to Alabama, ending up in Carter's hands. The DEA finally swooped in on June 10, 2024, snagging six kilos of cocaine during a drop-off by Lopez to Carter. Here's where it gets extra scandalous. Michael Evans, who was an Alabama State Trooper at the time, allegedly offered to use his uniform and patrol car to help transport the drugs, hoping to slip past law enforcement! Talk about a bad apple! Carter and Lopez are staring down a minimum of 10 years, potentially life, in federal prison. Evans and Johnson? They're looking at up to 20 years. And in the federal system, parole is a no-go. But wait, there's more! Five other individuals have already pleaded guilty in connection with this case: These five are also facing up to 20 years in the slammer. Acting U.S. Attorney Davidson emphasized the commitment to dismantling drug networks. DEA Special Agent in Charge Hofer added, "This investigation shows that no one is above the law." The DEA, along with ALEA and local police, worked together to bring these individuals to justice.BUSTED! Massive Cocaine Ring Crushed in Alabama
The Verdict is In
From Mexico to 'Bama
Blue Line Gone Bad
The Sentences
More Culprits
Cracking Down on Crime
