Antonio Navarro-Gaytan, Cocaine Trafficking, Ohio 2024

Over 200 Pounds of Cocaine Seized in Cleveland

Two men from Mexico, Antonio Navarro-Gaytan and Alejandro Cota-Luna, have been charged in U.S. District Court after law enforcement personnel seized more than 200 pounds of cocaine in Cleveland, Ohio.

According to an affidavit filed in federal court, DEA agents received information on September 2 that a semi tractor-trailer with California license plates was expected to come to the Cleveland area from the Baltimore area to deliver drugs or pick up money associated with drug dealing.

Investigators observed a Nissan sedan occupied by the defendants pull into the parking lot of the building. The defendants then appeared to work on the trailer and then take items from the trunk of the Nissan and put them in the trailer.

Navarro-Gaytan and Cota-Luna then went to a nearby gas station, then headed westbound on Interstate 90, where they were pulled over for speeding and eventually arrested. A subsequent search of the trailer revealed 92 rectangular bricks, each containing approximately one kilogram of cocaine.

The defendants have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, their sentences will be determined by the court after reviewing factors unique to this case, including their prior criminal record, if any, their role in the offense, and the characteristics of the violation.

U.S. Attorney Carole S. Rendon praised the law enforcement agencies involved in the case, saying ‘Taking more than 200 pounds of cocaine off the streets helps make our community safer and stronger.’

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Duncan Brown following an investigation by the DEA, Cleveland Division of Police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, Cleveland Heights Police Department, Ashtabula County Sheriff’s Office, Summit County Drug Unit, Lake County Narcotics Agency, Lorain County Drug Task Force, and Homeland Security Investigations.

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