California man sentenced to life in federal prison after organizing, coordinating drug shipments to Iowa

DES MOINES, Iowa — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Iowa says a Tulare, California man has been sentenced to life in prison on drug charges.

According to a release, Brian Joaquin Alvarado, 40, led an “extensive drug trafficking organization,” and was found guilty for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in July 2025.

Alvarado had been serving a prison sentence in California when he “organized and coordinated” shipments of methamphetamine to the Des Moines area and transported firearms to California, the release said…

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