EL PASO, TX – Adan Reyes, 38, is heading to federal prison for 35 years after being sentenced today for orchestrating a large-scale marijuana trafficking operation that spanned over a decade. U.S. District Judge Frank Montalvo also slapped Reyes with a staggering $36,975,000 money judgment and ordered the forfeiture of over $3 million in assets seized by the government.
The sentencing culminates a long-running investigation into the Reyes Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO), which, according to court documents, moved “multiple thousands of kilograms” of marijuana from El Paso to the Dumas, Texas area between August 2006 and November 2015. From there, the marijuana was distributed primarily to locations in the Midwest. Reyes admitted to employing a network of individuals to facilitate the operation and launder the profits.
Reyes pleaded guilty on July 28, 2016, to a ten-count superseding indictment including charges of conspiracy, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and money laundering. The forfeited assets include multiple real estate properties in both El Paso and Ruidoso, New Mexico, a fleet of vehicles, firearms, and over $23,000 in cash – all purchased with the dirty money earned from the drug trade. The government clearly aimed to dismantle Reyes’ financial infrastructure alongside his freedom.
This wasn’t a solo operation. Authorities announced that 14 members of the Reyes DTO have already been convicted and sentenced to federal prison, with sentences ranging from one year to 35 years. The coordinated takedown demonstrates the reach of the investigation and the organization’s widespread influence. The sentencing of Reyes represents the final blow to this criminal enterprise.
“Investigating and combating transnational criminal organizations, like the Adan Reyes drug trafficking organization, is one of the top criminal priorities of the El Paso FBI,” stated Scott Brunner, Interim Special Agent in Charge of the FBI El Paso Division. “This investigation is an outstanding example of joint cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.” The case was spearheaded by an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) comprised of the FBI, DEA, IRS-Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Border Patrol, and various local police departments.
Federal officials emphasized the multi-agency effort in bringing Reyes to justice. DEA Special Agent in Charge Will Glaspy stated, “This case highlights the impact multiple agencies can have when they join forces.” IRS Criminal Investigation’s Special Agent in Charge William Cotter added, “Today’s sentencing of Adan Reyes shows that defendants who attempt to launder their drug money through the purchase of real estate and a lavish lifestyle will pay a hefty price.” The OCDETF program’s core mission is to dismantle major drug trafficking and money laundering organizations, and this case is a clear demonstration of that commitment.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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