Man pleads guilty to trafficking drugs

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– A Mexican man accused of helping lead a major drug trafficking operation that moved cocaine, fentanyl, and heroin into South Carolina has pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Rafael Ramos pleaded guilty this week to conspiring to distribute controlled substances in the state.

Federal prosecutors said evidence presented during Ramos’ plea hearing showed he was a leader of an international drug trafficking organization that brought more than 40 kilograms of cocaine, 14 kilograms of fentanyl, and 1 kilogram of heroin into the state for distribution.

Ramos faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and could receive up to life behind bars.