Patrick Nolan ‘YoYo’ McSwain, Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Alabama 2023
Heroin, Cocaine, Methamphetamine Trafficking Net 5 in Talladega, Alabama
A three-year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation into a Talladega-based drug-trafficking conspiracy has resulted in the arrest of 5 individuals, bringing the total number of people arrested to 10. The defendants, including Patrick Nolan ‘YoYo’ McSwain, 50, of Talladega, were charged with conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine sourced from Mexico.
According to the indictment, the defendants conspired to traffic five kilograms or more of cocaine, one kilogram or more of heroin, and 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment also charges the defendants with money laundering and using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime.
Patrick McSwain, the leader of the organization, was already in custody on federal charges related to a large seizure of cocaine and heroin in July 7th, 2023. DEA agents arrested McSwain after he met with a drug courier coordinated by Nolberto Ortega, 54, of Chicago, Ill. Agents found 16 kilograms of cocaine and one kilogram of heroin in McSwain’s vehicle. Agents then executed a search warrant on McSwain’s home in Talladega, Alabama, and discovered two kilograms of heroin, 383.8 grams of cocaine, 267.1 grams of marijuana, 884.4 grams of methamphetamine, two drug presses, multiple cellphones, scales, a handgun, and an AR-15 rifle.
After McSwain’s arrest, DEA agents intercepted two drug shipments coordinated by Ortega on July 10th and July 12th, 2023. On July 10th, Ortega sent a drug courier from Mexico that was intercepted by DEA in Jefferson County with six kilograms of cocaine. On July 12th, Ortega coordinated the shipment of a wooden crate intercepted by DEA in Jefferson County containing seven kilograms of heroin. Both shipments were intended for McSwain and distribution.
The indictment includes special findings of the grand jury regarding the amount of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine attributable to various defendants as part of the drug-trafficking conspiracy. The defendants are scheduled to appear in court for their arraignment.
According to U.S. Attorney Jay E. Town, “Today’s arrests are an important step in reducing the flow of heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamines, sourced from Mexico, into the Northern District of Alabama.”
“This investigation and the subsequent indictments are a clear example of the drug pipeline running directly from Mexico to Alabama and specifically Talladega,” said DEA Assistant Special Agent in Charge Clay Morris. “The size, scope, and magnitude of the McSWAIN Drug Trafficking Organization cannot be understated. Literally, weekly shipments of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin were pouring into Talladega county. Those arrested today could care less about the countless lives they tragically affected. Their sole purpose of existence was selling poison and making money. Fortunately, DEA and the Talladega Drug Task Force has found a new home for them…prison.”
Defendant Information:, Nolberto Ortega, Patrick Nolan ‘YoYo’ McSwain, Edgar Aguilar-Terrazas, Jose Fernando Perez Leyva, Amanda Denise Connell, Kelvin Denard Chatam, Ameche Lashuan ‘Meche’ Curry, Lashonda Renea White, Michael Twymon, Robert Shurone Chatman, Flemings ‘Boobang’ Chatman, Christopher Lane
Charges: Conspiracy to distribute heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine, money laundering, and using a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking crime.
City and State: Talladega, Alabama.
Date: September 2023.
Sentence or Outcome: Pending arraignment and trial.
Key Facts
- State: Alabama
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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