Corpus Christi, TX – In a massive crackdown on a large-scale marijuana trafficking and money laundering operation, 10 individuals have been arrested in the Rio Grande Valley and Houston. The arrests were made as part of a joint operation dubbed Operation Black Mask, led by the U.S. Attorney’s office in Corpus Christi.
The suspects, aged between 18 and 47, include Josue Estrada, 37, of Rio Grande City; Gustavo Garza-Avalos, aka Tavo, 36, of Houston; and eight others from the Rio Grande Valley. They were charged with conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute more than 1000 kilograms of marijuana between June 1, 2012, and the date of the indictment.
Additionally, Roel Rodriguez, 18, and Elijio Perez, 24, are also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering on December 2, 2013. Perez is further charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm on the same date.
The indictment, which was sealed on March 11, 2015, was unsealed upon each arrest. If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including not less than 10 and up to life in federal prison, as well as possible fines of up to $10 million.
The investigation was conducted through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) in Corpus Christi, McAllen, Falcon Dam, and Houston by various law enforcement agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie K. Hampton. An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.
The government is seeking a personal money judgment from the defendants in the amount of $250,000.
The operation was a result of a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle large-scale drug trafficking organizations.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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