MS-13 Gang Members Among 10 Indicted in Multi-State Drug Ring

MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — A two-year federal dragnet has collapsed a sprawling drug trafficking network stretching from Virginia to West Virginia, netting ten defendants, including two confirmed members of the violent MS-13 gang. Led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and a coalition of federal, state, and local agencies, the probe culminated in a series of raids across the Eastern Panhandle, seizing 12.5 kilos of cocaine, eleven firearms, over $100,000 in cash, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Among those indicted: Rogelio Santacruz Godinez, also known as “Tramposo” or “Trampa,” 36, of Axton, Virginia, a Mexican national; Jose Alfredo Santacruz Godinez, also known as “Sandoval,” of Axton, Virginia, also a Mexican national; Guadalupe Ibarra-Ayon, also known as “Lupe,” 30, of Winchester, Virginia, Mexican National; Eduardo Hernandez Sanchez, also known as “Lalo,” 42, of W, West Virginia, Mexican National; suspected MS-13 gang member Jose Santiago Cruz-Delcid, also known as “Trucko” or “Truckito,” 38, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, El Salvador national; and confirmed MS-13 member Miguel Angel Cruz-Polanco, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, El Salvador national.

The remaining defendants are Adam Gunn, II, 30, of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Adam Bensaid, 19, of Martinsburg, West Virginia; Rogelio Martinez-Rojas, 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Mexican National; and Kenneth Biermann-Ruz, also known as “Ruz” or “Chile,” 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia. All face multiple federal charges tied to distribution, possession with intent, and conspiracy, with penalties that could land them behind bars for decades.

“This investigation lasted nearly two years and involved the cooperative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies,” said United States Attorney Bill Powell. “These agencies worked together, were not worried about who got credit, combined resources, and got big results.” The operation, run through several task forces including the Eastern Panhandle Drug & Violent Crimes Task Force and the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug & Gang Task Force, exemplifies the force-multiplier effect in rural districts.

Powell issued a blunt warning to transnational gangs: “This investigation has shown that violent gangs like MS-13 are attempting to infiltrate our state. If you are MS-13, do not come here. We know what you stand for, we will find you, and we will prosecute you for violations of the law.” The drugs seized—valued at over $300,000 on the street—were destined to fuel addiction and violence across Appalachia’s fragile communities.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shawn M. Adkins and Lara K. Omps-Botteicher, with assistance from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Virginia. The investigation was spearheaded by the DEA, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, ATF, U.S. Marshals Service, and multiple state and regional law enforcement bodies. Authorities confirm the probe remains active, with additional charges possible as intelligence continues to unfold.

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