South Carolina Man Sentenced For Distributing Methamphetamine Supplied By Mexico-Based Drug Source

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - A South Carolina man was sentenced to prison today for distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine supplied by a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization (DTO) with ties to the Sinaloa cartel, announced Russ Ferguson, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina.

Nicolas Yarcil Uribe-Tamayo, 26, of Easley, S.C., was ordered to serve 151 months in prison followed by five years of supervised release. Previously, on November 7, 2024, Uribe-Tamayo pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

According to court documents and information presented at the sentencing hearing, in 2023, law enforcement learned that a Mexico-based DTO with ties to the Sinaloa cartel was shipping kilogram quantities of methamphetamine into North Carolina. During the investigation, Uribe-Tamayo was identified as a local distributor for the DTO. While being surveilled by law enforcement, another member of the DTO met with Uribe-Tamayo and provided him with a kilogram of methamphetamine. After the drug delivery was completed, law enforcement observed Uribe-Tamayo's vehicle as he traveled to Charlotte. Uribe-Tamayo drove recklessly and at a high rate of speed until stopping at a local restaurant on West Sugar Creek Road. Law enforcement approached Uribe-Tamayo to inquire about his driving and detected the odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle. Law enforcement conducted a search of the vehicle and found a kilogram of methamphetamine on the floorboard of the rear seat area. Law enforcement also found an AR-15 style rifle, a loaded hi-capacity magazine loaded with 32 rounds of ammunition, and digital scales.

"Cartels like Sinaloa are infiltrating our communities with drugs, not to mention guns and violence," said U.S. Attorney Ferguson. "We are committed to their total elimination."

According to court records, during the investigation, law enforcement learned that Uribe-Tamayo had been involved with the DTO for nearly two years. On multiple occasions while working with the DTO, Uribe-Tamayo was provided with large quantities of narcotics that he would deliver to customers.

Uribe-Tamayo will remain in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons upon designation of a federal facility.

In making today's announcement U.S. Attorney Ferguson commended the Department of Homeland Security (HSI), the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the Davidson County Sheriff's Office, the Lexington Police Department, and the Rowan County Sheriff's Office, for their investigation of this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick J. Miller of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Charlotte prosecuted the case.