Yesterday (Thurs., Oct. 22) federal investigators and prosecutors in St. Louis announced their share in a massive, unprecedented takedown of an alleged international drug conspiracy that netted arrests of 11 area individuals.
Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap and DEA Special Agent in Charge Harry S. Sommers said that the local web of the alleged conspiracy encompassed distribution of more than five kilos of cocaine.
“The individuals arrested in this operation are part of a drug trafficking network that funneled narcotics onto the streets of St. Louis, encouraging more crime and violence in our community,” said Sommers.
“These arrests demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the elimination of criminal enterprises through cooperative law enforcement efforts.”
Included in the local indictments is the alleged Chicago source of supply for the organization, Edgar Meraz-Salas. The indictment alleges that the other 10 defendants distributed cocaine into the St. Louis metropolitan area.
These indictments are part of Project Coronado, a two-day nationwide take down announced early Thursday by the Department of Justice.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced the arrest of nearly 1,200 individuals on narcotics-related charges and the seizure of more than 11.7 tons of narcotics as part of a 44-month multi-agency law enforcement investigation.
Holder was joined in announcing the current results of Project Coronado by DEA Acting Administrator Michele M. Leonhart, FBI Director Robert S. Mueller III and ATF Acting Director Kenneth E. Melson.
On Wednesday and Thursday alone, 303 individuals in 19 states were arrested as part of Project Coronado, which targeted the distribution network of a major Mexican drug trafficking organization known as La Familia, through coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement.
More than 3,000 agents and officers operated across the United States to make the arrests during the two-day takedown.
During the two-day operation alone, $3.4 million in U.S. currency, 729 pounds of methamphetamine, 62 kilograms of cocaine, 967 pounds of marijuana, 144 weapons and 109 vehicles were seized by law enforcement agents.
In addition to Meraz-Salas, 34, a Mexican national residing in Chicago, the indictments and arrests announced locally included:
• Wlfrado Navarrete-Hernandez, 36, Mexican national residing in St. Ann, MO;
• Maria Valazquez, 40, Mexican national residing in St. Ann, MO;
* Reynaldo Reyes-Fuentes, a/k/a Miguel Becerril, 36, Mexican national residing in Bridgeton, MO;
* Eduardo Olivas-Contreras, a/k/a Walo, 40, Mexican national residing in Bridgeton, MO;
* Elias Inigues, a/k/a Elias Deniz, 32, St. Charles, MO;
* Omar Figueroa Solis, a/k/a Omar Armondo Cervantis, Omar Cervantes-Valde, 24, Mexican national residing in Hazelwood, MO;
* Shaun Glenwood Mack, a/k/a Gary Dale, 32, St. Louis
* Anthony Lionel Ruiz, 20, Hazelwood, MO;
* Nicholas Donald Tieman, 29, St. Charles, MO; and
* Curtis Wayne Smith, 38, Vandalia, IL.
If convicted of conspiracy to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine, the accused face a penalty range of 10 years to life in prison and/or fines up to $4 million.
The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
“This unprecedented, coordinated U.S. law enforcement action – the largest ever undertaken against a Mexican drug cartel – has dealt a significant blow to La Familia’s supply chain of illegal drugs, weapons and cash flowing between Mexico and the United States,” said Holder.
“We will not allow these cartels to operate unfettered in our country, and with the increases in cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities in recent years, we are taking the fight to our adversaries. We will continue to stand strong with our partners in Mexico as we work to disrupt and dismantle cartel operations on both sides of the border.”
The Department of Justice continues its prosecution of drug trafficking and corruption. The public is encouraged to contact the U.S. Attorney in Eastern Missouri at 314-539-2200 if they are aware of federal crimes.