News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 25, 2003

Drug Suspects Arrested In Las Cruces, New Mexico And El Paso, Texas

Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent in Charge Sandalio Gonzalez, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Special Agent in Charge Andres Stephens of the Albuquerque Field Division, Chief U.S. Border Patrol Agent Luis Barker, New Mexico State Police Commander Mark Hernandez, Las Cruces Police Chief Bill Baker, Dona Ana County Sheriff Juan Hernandez and Dona Ana County Metro Narcotics Agency Commander Denis Romero announced the arrests of approximately 105 suspected cocaine traffickers in the Las Cruces, New Mexico and El Paso, Texas area. These arrests were the result of a long-term joint investigation into an international cocaine distribution network operating primarily in El Paso and Las Cruces.

These individuals were arrested on February 24 and 25, 2003 during an enforcement operation conducted by the aforementioned agencies. The arrests came as a result of indictments by a Federal Grand Jury in the District of New Mexico in Las Cruces, as well as criminal complaints filed in State District Court in New Mexico. Approximately 35 of these individuals were indicted on federal charges of conspiracy and distributing cocaine. El Paso, TX residents Gerado Miranda, Alejandro Rodriquez and Gonzalo Gonzalez are alleged to hold leadership positions in the trafficking organization and were each charged with violations of federal drug conspiracy laws. Las Cruces, NM resident Saulo Facundo is alleged to be a major cocaine distributor for the organization in New Mexico. The remaining suspects were taken into custody on drug related state charges.

"This is both a very complex and significant investigation. The suspects are believed to be well-established regional and international cocaine traffickers who have been dealing drugs for several years. The success of this case is indicative of the close working relationship DEA, FBI, and the Border Patrol enjoy with our state and local partners in Texas and New Mexico. The number of suspects charged is an indication of the hard work and long hours spent in this case, and all the agents and officers who took part are to be commended for their dedicated service to the public", said Gonzalez.

An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty. All defendants in this case, at both the federal and state levels are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted on all charges, these defendants may face long federal and/or state prison terms.

Please direct further inquiries to DEA Las Cruces Resident Agent in Charge Ann Garcia at (505) 528-5401. Also, for more detailed information, please visit our website.