A federal indictment has just been unsealed and we are able to get a better understanding of the long term smuggling operation that involved moving drugs and people.
Sixteen suspects have now been arrested for being part of that ring. It was organized, using conference calls to locate and avoid police presence. The drugs and illegal immigrants were transported from Mexico, through South Texas and into the U.S. This ring had apparently been in business dating back to July of last year.
Now in custody, Eliazar Gonzales, 28, Jose Luis Fuentes, 30, Daniel Avila, 29, Jose Antonio Lopez, 24, Jose Galvan Arranda, 50, Israel Alcaraz, 31, and Vinnie Chavez, 34, all of Houston. Mexican national Marino Garcia, 36, and El Salvadorian Otoniel Dumari Hernandez-Rojas, 31, were also arrested. Ruben Avila, 31, of Houston, was arrested in Victoria and will make an initial appearance there before being transferred to Houston, while Noemi Rosales-Sanchez, 35, of Roma, is expected to make her initial appearance in McAllen.
The defendants face various charges including Marijuana Conspiracy and Alien Smuggling. If convicted, they face up to 40 years in federal prison and up to 5 million dollars in fines. Three others were arrested in connection with the overall investigation but charged in a separate case. Aldo Teyes-Sanchez, 29, Eulogio Alanis, 27, both of Houston, and Mexican national Saul Porros-Sanchez, 24, are charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine as is Antonio Rivas-Vargas, 29, who is considered a fugitive. They face a possible 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine.
Details Of Drug Smuggling Operation In South Texas, Mexico Revealed was originally published on news92fm.com
