SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Thirty violent gang members from the municipalities of San Juan, Trujillo Alto, Aibonito, and Loíza have been hit with a slew of charges including drug trafficking and firearms violations.
A federal grand jury indicted the group, known as Los Elite, on May 8, 2024, for their roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations.
According to the indictment, the defendants distributed heroin, cocaine base, cocaine, marijuana, fentanyl, Tramadol, and Clonazepam within 1,000 feet of several public housing projects in the San Juan area, all for significant financial gain and profit.
The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB), revealed that the defendants and their co-conspirators participated in acts of violence and shootings to secure their drug trafficking operations. They used modified firearms to convert them to automatic weapons and mailed pieces of firearms or entire firearms from the continental United States to other members of the organization in Puerto Rico.
The indictment alleges that the defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of the conspiracy, including as leaders, suppliers, drug point owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, lookouts, and facilitators. They communicated using cell phones, often via messaging apps and social media, and promoted themselves, their narcotics, their firearms, their money, and their organization using social media.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow praised the law enforcement efforts, stating, “By arresting and prosecuting these defendants, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and its law enforcement partners are working to uphold the rule of law and bring to justice violent offenders who terrorize our communities.”
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster added, “In the face of adversity, our resolve strengthens. Together, with unwavering determination and steadfast collaboration, we will dismantle these drug trafficking organizations that threaten our communities and tarnish the fabric of our society.”
The indictment charges the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and firearms violations. The investigation is ongoing, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work with law enforcement partners to dismantle the organization and bring those responsible to justice.
The defendants will face significant consequences, including lengthy prison sentences and fines. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to prioritize the prosecution of violent gang members and dismantling of organized crime groups that plague our communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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