BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank have announced the indictment of two Colombian nationals, Cristian Yesid Lugo-Beltran, 24, and Johan Leandro Zapata-Valencia, 23, on drug-related charges.
The two men face a two-count indictment in U.S. District Court. The charges include conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.
According to the indictment, Lugo-Beltran and Zapata-Valencia were found in possession of five kilograms or more of cocaine on February 6, 2024, during a traffic stop on Interstate 65 in Shelby County.
The investigation into the drug trafficking operation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Calera Police Department, and the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office provided significant assistance in the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brittany T. Byrd and Olivia C. Brame are prosecuting the case.
As is customary with all criminal cases, an indictment contains only the charges, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
