News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 6, 2003

Suspected Cocaine Distributors Behind Bars

Sandalio Gonzalez, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) El Paso Field Division announced the arrests of five El Paso men and the seizure of $36,300 for their alleged roles in an international cocaine smuggling and distribution conspiracy.

Two of the men, Edward Ehrle of El Paso and Army Specialist Jose Hernandez of Ft. Bliss, were taken into custody on Federal arrest warrants charging them each with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Ehrle was arrested in New York City earlier today. As part of the same investigation, Army CID agents at Ft. Bliss arrested three active duty military personnel for drug-related violations of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ). The three were identified as Andre Wood, Jason Cook, and Robert Wagner. The trio will face serious charges under the Code of Military Justice.

The arrests came as a result of a five-month investigation initiated on August 9, 2002, when Border Patrol agents seized approximately 59 pounds of cocaine from an active duty member of the U.S. Army at a checkpoint on Highway 54 south of Alamogordo, New Mexico. The seizure was then referred to the Las Cruces Resident Office of the DEA for further investigation.

Mr. Gonzalez stressed that these arrests are indicative of the high level of cooperation among the agents and agencies involved, and he thanked the Border Patrol and Army CID for their vigilance and assistance in the case. The investigation of this cocaine smuggling and distribution organization is continuing.

**Please note - an arrest is merely a charge and is not to be considered as evidence of guilt**

Please direct further inquiries to DEA Albuquerque District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Steven Derr at (505) 346-7419.