Toledo Drug Ring Bust: 9 Indicted in Fentanyl, Cocaine Conspiracy

TOLEDO, Ohio — A sprawling drug operation that flooded Northwest Ohio with kilogram quantities of heroin, cocaine, and lethal fentanyl has been dismantled, with nine defendants indicted on federal charges. At the center of the conspiracy are Pedro Negrin, 59, Santino Montoya, 26, Aurelio Seoane-Armada, 59, Jamel Gaines, 30, Corey Goings, 48, Nathaniel Houle, Jr., 22, Korey Parker, 29, all of Toledo; Francisco Cabrera-Hernandez, 35, of Casa Grande, Arizona; and Luis Perez-Rodriguez, 31, of Phoenix.

All nine are charged with one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute at least one kilogram of heroin, five kilograms of cocaine, and 400 grams of fentanyl. The indictment, returned by a federal grand jury, outlines a coordinated network moving massive drug shipments across state lines, with supply chains stretching from Arizona to Toledo’s hardest-hit neighborhoods.

Corey Goings faces an additional charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm after investigators recovered a Springfield Armory .45-caliber pistol during the probe. Authorities allege he possessed the weapon despite a prior drug conviction. Cabrera-Hernandez and Perez-Rodriguez are each charged with possession with intent to distribute 11 kilograms of cocaine—a haul so large it underscores the industrial scale of the operation.

As part of the takedown, law enforcement seized more than $407,000 in cash, two vehicles outfitted with aftermarket hidden compartments, and the firearm. Prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of all assets tied to the conspiracy, signaling a full financial dismantling of the network.

“These defendants trafficked in large amounts of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine, drugs that have taken so many lives and destroyed so many families in Ohio,” said U.S. Attorney Justin Herdman. FBI Special Agent in Charge Eric Smith added, “Collaborative law enforcement efforts will continue daily to combat the for profit distribution of illicit life robbing narcotics.”

Toledo Police Chief George Kral praised the joint operation: “Here is yet another example of exemplary police work and collaborations between local, state, and federal law enforcement. As a result of this investigation, ten individuals, mostly from Toledo, were arrested and a substantial amount of dangerous drugs are off of our streets.”

An indictment is not evidence of guilt. Each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. If convicted, the Court will determine sentences based on factors including criminal history, role in the offense, and statutory guidelines. The maximum penalties include life in prison for the most serious counts. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alissa M. Sterling and Matthew D. Simko, with investigation led by the FBI and Toledo Metro Drug Task Force.