Tenderloin Fentanyl Dealer Sentenced To Five Years In Prison

Press Release

Miguel Ramos, a Citizen of Honduras, Was Arrested with More Than Seven Pounds of Fentanyl

SAN FRANCISCO - Miguel Ramos was sentenced today to five years in prison for crimes including possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine, and heroin, announced United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey and Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Francisco Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark. The sentence was handed down by the Hon. Richard Seeborg, Chief United States District Judge.

Ramos, 25, a citizen of Honduras, pleaded guilty in January 2024 to one count of possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(A)(vi), and four counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine base, cocaine, and heroin, all in violation of 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and (b)(1)(C).

According to court filings, Ramos was arrested in October 2022 in possession of approximately 3,530 grams (around 7.7 pounds) of fentanyl in various colors located in several different baggies. He also possessed approximately 54 grams of methamphetamine, 18 grams of cocaine base, 12 grams of cocaine salt, 26 grams of heroin, a large amount of cash, and a digital scale at the time of his arrest. All weights are gross weights.

"Fentanyl is wreaking havoc in our communities, particularly in the Tenderloin," said United States Attorney Ismail J. Ramsey. "Miguel Ramos cavalierly possessed more than seven pounds of this highly lethal substance for sale. This Office will ensure that dealers like Mr. Ramos face Justice and long prison sentences."

"Fentanyl is the deadliest drug threat our communities have ever faced. The staggering amount of this poison seized from Ramos equates to several thousand potential deadly doses," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian M. Clark. "DEA will continue to respond to this unprecedented threat in San Francisco with unprecedented action. Our sustained efforts in the Tenderloin will continue as we work tirelessly to save lives."

In addition to sentencing Ramos to prison, Judge Seeborg ordered the defendant to serve three years of supervised release to begin after his prison term is completed. Ramos was indicted by a federal grand jury on December 13, 2022, and was immediately remanded into custody following his sentencing today.

Assistant U.S. Attorney George Hageman is prosecuting the case with the assistance of Helen Yee. The prosecution is the result of a months-long investigation by the DEA and the San Francisco Police Department.

One Pill Can Kill: Beware of pills bought on the street. Fentanyl, a Schedule II controlled substance, is a highly potent opiate that can be diluted with cutting agents to create counterfeit pills that purport to mimic the effects of Oxycodone, Percocet, and other drugs, but can be obtained at a lower cost. However, very small variations in the amount or quality of fentanyl create huge effects on the potency of the counterfeit pills and can easily cause death. Fentanyl has now become the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States. Counterfeit, fentanyl-laced pills are usually shaped and colored to resemble pills that are sold legitimately at pharmacies.

Updated April 30, 2024