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Cayey Drug Trafficking Ring Busted: 38 Individuals Indicted
A federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico has returned an indictment against 38 defendants charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The indictment alleges that the defendants conspired to knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, marihuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) in the Municipality of Cayey, Puerto Rico.
The investigation, led by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations (ICE-HSI) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), Guayama Strike Force, found that the defendants established drug distribution points among housing projects in the area. The indictment alleges that some defendants committed murders to maintain order and control of the drug trafficking operations.
The defendants, who used social media to promote their activities, referred to their organization as “The Punishers” and some members had tattoos of the logo to identify themselves. The indictment lists 38 defendants, including Edwin José Santos-Martínez, a.k.a. “Chinai/Chinito,” José A. Torres-Burgos, a.k.a “La Letra,” and 35 others.
The defendants acted in various roles, including leaders, managers, drug owners, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts. Thirty defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment alleges that the organization began its operations in 2012 and continued until its members were apprehended. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are working to disrupt and dismantle the organization’s operations.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, announced the indictment, vowing to continue fighting against organized crime in the territory. The case serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of drug trafficking on communities and the importance of law enforcement’s efforts to combat it.
Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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