Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, Drug Trafficking, Puerto Rico 2016

Forty-four individuals have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a massive drug trafficking operation in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, made the announcement in a press release.

The indictments, returned on July 19, 2016, charge the defendants with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of controlled substances, including cocaine, cocaine base (crack), marijuana, Percocet, and Xanax. The alleged crime took place within 1,000 feet of the Columbus Landing Public Housing Project in Mayagüez.

According to the indictment, the defendants acted in different roles to further the goals of their organization, including supplier, drug point owners, runners, sellers, and facilitators. Some of the defendants allegedly used firearms to protect themselves and the drug trafficking organization from rival gangs.

Twenty-two of the defendants are facing one count of using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. Another indictment charges three individuals with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, cocaine base (crack), and marijuana. A third indictment charges one individual with possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been previously convicted of a crime punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Police of Puerto Rico (POPR). If convicted, the defendants face significant prison time, with some facing sentences of up to life in prison.

“Federal and local law enforcement agencies remain committed to work tirelessly to target and eliminate the most significant threats to our communities,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Dina Ávila-Jiménez is in charge of the prosecution of the case. The defendants are presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The alleged crimes took place in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, with the indictments returned on July 19, 2016. The defendants face significant prison time if convicted, with some facing sentences of up to life in prison.

The investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrate the commitment of federal and local law enforcement agencies to target and eliminate the most significant threats to our communities.

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