Play all audios:
An Escondido man described as a ringleader of a cocaine distribution operation from Panama was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in state prison.
Abdiel Antonio Ariza, 22, was also fined $500 by San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Wellington.
Also sentenced Thursday were two 19-year-old men from Oceanside for their roles in the operation, dubbed “Panama Blue” by law enforcement officials.
Jamie Spencer received a nine-year prison sentence plus a $500 fine. Anthony Dunn was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $300.
Deputy Dist. Atty. Tracey Lazarus said afterward that the trio’s sentences bring the case to a close, except for a fugitive who is still missing.
A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Troney Upsher, who is in his 20s and last lived in Oceanside.