SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Sixteen alleged members of a violent drug trafficking organization operating out of San Germán, Puerto Rico, are facing federal charges following an indictment returned by a grand jury on July 2, 2025. The charges include conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, possession and distribution of controlled substances, and multiple firearms violations. The bust represents a significant blow to criminal activity in the region, authorities say.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau (PRPB) Ponce and Mayagüez Strike Force, with support from the Puerto Rico Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Guaynabo Municipal Police SRT, uncovered a sophisticated operation allegedly conducted with blatant disregard for the safety of the community. U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow minced no words, stating the gang operated “in the presence of minors,” demonstrating a callous indifference to the well-being of children.
According to the indictment, the organization distributed crack cocaine, cocaine, fentanyl, and marijuana within 1,000 feet of the Manuel F. Rossy Public Housing Project (PHP) and surrounding areas of San Germán, raking in substantial profits. The scheme involved at least two drug points operating inside apartments within the PHP, utilizing windows to conduct transactions and evade law enforcement. Defendants allegedly reinforced apartment entrances with wooden studs to buy time to dispose of drugs during potential searches.
Beyond drug distribution, the indictment details a pattern of intimidation, force, and violence used to maintain control of the drug trade and suppress rival groups. Members allegedly subjected co-conspirators and residents to beatings – sometimes with horse whips – as punishment for rule infractions. The FBI’s Devin J. Kowalski warned, “This group thought they were above the law…your days terrorizing our communities are numbered.”
The following individuals have been charged in the drug trafficking conspiracy: [1] Jonathan Humberto Peraza-Rosa, a.k.a. “El Negro”; [2] Jesed Natan Pagán-Ríos, a.k.a. “J”; [3] Karvinson Javier Medina-Figueroa, a.k.a. “Champi/Jampi”; [4] Giancarlo Robles-Pérez, a.k.a. “Gps/Penuelas/Jp”; [5] Kelvin Torres-Alvarado, a.k.a. “Pito Ciribillo/Ciribi”; [6] Eliezer Mikael Cruz-Molinary, a.k.a. “Mikael”; [7] Yafet Omar Alameda-Torres; [8] Anabel Tina Rodríguez; [9] Jan Louis García-Franqui; [10] Joe Armando Cotte-Ruiz, a.k.a. “Ch”. The roles within the organization varied, encompassing leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, facilitators, and lookouts.
U.S. Attorney Muldrow vowed to continue working with law enforcement partners to ensure the safety of Puerto Rican neighborhoods and bring those responsible for these crimes to justice. The case is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and gang violence, and the dedication required to protect vulnerable communities.
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Key Facts
- State: Puerto Rico
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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