Nine sentenced to federal prison for operating central Kansas drug trafficking ring
A yearslong joint investigation dismantled a network smuggling liquid methamphetamine from Mexico and crystal meth from California and Arizona.
Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a story.
Sign up freeNine people have been sentenced to federal prison — including three who received 20-year terms — for their roles in an international drug trafficking ring that funneled massive quantities of methamphetamine into the Manhattan and Salina areas.
A joint investigation launched in 2022 by the Riley County Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration identified 49-year-old Gonzalo Escobedo as the local leader of the operation.
Authorities said Escobedo directed subordinates to transport crystal meth and cocaine from suppliers in California and Arizona, while other co-conspirators smuggled liquid methamphetamine from Mexico to convert it into crystal form once in Kansas.
During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted major shipments, seizing 62.9 pounds and 20 pounds of methamphetamine in just two separate traffic stops.
All nine defendants pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the case prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey Debenham.
Escobedo, Joseph K. Murdoch, 32, and Manuel Meza, 31, were each sentenced to 240 months in prison. Aaron Noonan, 32, Amanda Hubbard, 43, and Julisa Esparza, 26, were each sentenced to 180 months.
The remaining members of the ring also received substantial federal prison time: Shelbie Louise Durham, 29, was sentenced to 126 months; Harley David Blair, 46, to 121 months; and Michael Anthony Jones, 51, to 77 months.
This article was written using our proprietary AI system, Cronkite. The final decision to publish this article was made by a human. For more info, read our AI policy.
Found a mistake? Have a news tip or feedback to share? Contact our newsroom using the button below: