Alejandro Palomino-Amador, 33, of Escondido, California, is heading to serve 17 and a half years in federal prison. He, also known as “Ichi”, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine. His sentencing brings an end to a massive, multi-year drug trafficking prosecution that landed 15 people in prison.
On August 17, 2022, the probe was blown wide open. Law enforcement agents were witnessing a narcotics transaction between Palomino and another individual, Phillip Martin. Following the meeting, cops pulled Martin down on Interstate 15 in Southern California and discovered 77 pounds of meth inside his vehicle. Later that day, authorities searched Palomino’s storage unit. Inside, they discovered another 80 pounds of meth and more than 4,000 grams of fentanyl.
Authorities said Palomino was a large-volume supplier based in Southern California. He fed the drugs to Martin, who then transported them across the country to Ohagee Curry in Pensacola, Florida.
The other men involved have already appeared before a court. Martin, who has a lengthy criminal record, received a 40-year sentence in 2024. Curry received a ten-year sentence in 2025. Palomino avoided capture for a while, but officials ultimately caught him late last year as he attempted to cross the border between Mexico and the United States.
John P. Heekin, the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Florida, announced the sentencing.
“Dismantling this large-scale drug trafficking operation and sending its participants to federal prison for decades-long sentences vindicates the untold devastation they inflicted upon our communities by flooding our streets with deadly poison,” Heekin stated. He applauded the combined efforts of state and federal law enforcement, confirming his commitment to pursuing anyone who distributes meth and fentanyl in the region.
Daniel Escobar, Special Agent in Charge of the Tampa Field Division, stated that apprehending the transnational trafficker made neighbourhoods worldwide safer. “This multi-year investigation was a success thanks to our agents and excellent law enforcement partners. ” I cannot thank them enough,” he remarked.
Local law enforcement in Florida echoed this relief. Sheriff Bob Johnson noted that the sheer volume of drugs might have caused significant harm in Northwest Florida.
“This sentence sends a clear message that drug traffickers who bring methamphetamine and fentanyl into our communities will be held accountable,” Johnson said, praising the effort that brought down the network.
Chip Simmons, Escambia County Sheriff, also welcomed the decision. “We applaud the U.S. Attorney’s Office for securing this important sentencing,” Simmons stated. ” Our strong partnership is delivering real results—removing dangerous criminals from our streets and making Escambia County safer for all families.”
The final conviction caps a major collaborative effort. The Drug Enforcement Administration, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and the United States Postal Inspection Service all contributed resources to the investigation. It also relied significantly on the sheriff’s departments in Santa Rosa, Escambia, and Okaloosa counties in Florida, as well as the Escondido Police Department and Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in California. Assistant United States Attorney Walter Narramore prosecuted the case.
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