OKLAHOMA CITY – GUSTAVO DE ALBA, 48, of Los Angeles, California, has been sentenced to serve 360 months in federal prison for drug conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, announced U.S. Attorney Robert J. Troester.According to public records, on June 13, 2025, law enforcement conducted a traffic stop involving a vehicle being driven by De Alba on Interstate 40 near Sayre, Oklahoma. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics, prompting a search of the vehicle.
During the search, officers discovered approximately 30 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden inside a sophisticated, aftermarket compartment concealed behind the back seat.A federal grand jury indicted De Alba on charges of drug conspiracy and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on July 1, 2025. Following a two-day trial, a federal jury convicted De Alba on both counts on February 18, 2026.At a sentencing hearing on July 13, 2026, U.S. District Judge Patrick R. Wyrick sentenced De Alba to serve 360 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release.
In announcing his sentence, Judge Wyrick noted the seriousness of the offense, the need to promote respect for the law, and the need for deterrence. This case is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen Hoch and Drew E.
Davis prosecuted the case.This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime.Reference is made to public filings for additional information.