Alabama Drug Ring: Ex-Trooper Helped Smuggle Cocaine

Four men have been convicted in a federal case involving a large-scale drug trafficking ring that moved cocaine from Mexico to Alabama, federal officials announced this week.

A federal jury found Jim Carter Jr., 58, and Michael Evans, 53, both of Montgomery; Francisco Lopez, 39, of Texas; and Bryce Johnson, 38, of Union Springs, guilty of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Carter and Lopez were also convicted of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute.

The DEA began investigating the ring in 2023, centering on Carter’s repeated trips to Mexico via Texas. Couriers regularly delivered cocaine to Alabama, and on June 10, 2024, agents seized six kilograms of cocaine during a delivery from Lopez to Carter.

One shocking detail revealed in court: Evans, a former Alabama State Trooper, offered to use his patrol uniform and vehicle to transport drugs undetected.

Sentencing is pending. Carter and Lopez each face 10 years to life in prison, while Evans and Johnson face up to 20 years. Federal sentences do not allow parole.

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Five others have pleaded guilty in connection with the operation, including Saundra Curry, 63; Othello Howard, 29; Jimario Thompson, 37; Raul Ramos Deleon; and Maria Beatriz Palomo-De Lopez. The last two, both Mexican nationals, were charged with illegally reentering the U.S. and face up to 20 years.

“This case highlights the dangerous impact of drug trafficking and our resolve to dismantle such networks,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Kevin Davidson.

The case was investigated by the DEA and multiple law enforcement partners through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).