Luis Ayala-Vieyra, Cocaine Trafficking, Michigan 2020

GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN

A 15-member drug trafficking operation has been dismantled following the conviction of the final defendant involved in the organization. Luis Ayala-Vieyra, who was arrested in Grand Rapids in August 2019, was found guilty of conspiring to distribute cocaine and two counts of distribution of cocaine after a three-day trial.

The conviction comes after a long-term investigation into a group of drug dealers in the Grand Rapids area. Fourteen other defendants previously pleaded guilty.

The evidence at trial demonstrated that Luis Ayala-Vieyra and his brother, Inocencio Ayala-Vieyra, bought cocaine from a source of supply in Chicago, Illinois. They broke down the cocaine and distributed it to a network of retail dealers in the Grand Rapids area.

“Yesterday’s verdict is the culmination of the hard work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, local law enforcement, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge. “My office is committed to disrupting drug sales and dismantling drug trafficking organizations to keep Michigan communities safe.”

Luis Ayala-Vieyra faces up to 20 years in prison and will be sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Paul L. Maloney in the next three to four months. He is currently awaiting sentencing.

This case was investigated by the DEA, Kent Area Narcotics Enforcement Team, Metropolitan Enforcement Team, Grand Rapids Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The case was tried by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jonathan Roth and Alexis Sanford.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdmi/pr/2020_0924_Ayala-Vieyra