Chapo Castro-Aguirre’s Drug Ring Busted in Indiana

Indianapolis – In a massive blow to the drug trade, federal agents have dismantled a multi-state organization that flooded Central Indiana with cocaine and methamphetamine. The masterminds behind this operation were Hector Saul ‘Chapo’ Castro-Aguirre, 38, from Nogales, Mexico, and Rafael Rojas-Reyes, 34, of Avon. The ring’s activities, which spanned from July 2015 to September 2016, earned them millions in cash profits.

United States Attorney Josh J. Minkler declared, ‘Large-scale drug trafficking dealing brings violence and disrupts the tranquility of our neighborhoods.’ He vowed that those who peddle illegal drugs would face federal prosecution.

The indictment against Castro-Aguirre, also known as ‘Chapo’ or ‘Chapito,’ claims he received shipments of drugs from Mexico for redistribution across the United States. The drugs were funneled through Avon, Indiana, and distributed to dealers in various states including Arizona, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Other key figures named in the indictment are Rafael Rojas-Reyes, Oscar Macias, Merath Mora-Chavez, Francisco Toledo-Santos, Roberto S. Macias, Elvia Barrios-Moreno, Aldo Machado-Castro, John Ramirez-Prado, Rafael Lnu, Yesenia Andrade-Guillen, Jesus Lopez-Acosta, Julio Cesar Cebrero-Alvarez, Jose Manuel Carrillo-Tremillo, also known as ‘Meche,’ Cristian Garcia, and Melvin Peralta, known as ‘Leonardo.’

This case was a collaborative effort by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, Carmel Police Department, and Indianapolis Metropolitan Drug Task Force.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Bradley A. Blackington, Chief of the Drug and Violent Crime Unit, warned that if convicted on all counts, the defendants could face decades in federal prison. It’s important to note that an indictment is merely a charge, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.