Teresa Mejia-Palacios, Methamphetamine Conspiracy, Missouri 2020

ST. LOUIS, MO - In a major blow to the city's underworld, federal agents have arrested 10 individuals in a massive sting operation targeting a notorious drug trafficking ring.

The suspects, including seven from the St. Louis area and three from Phoenix, AZ, were taken into custody on Tuesday and face charges ranging from conspiracy to distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

Among those charged were Teresa Mejia-Palacios, 31, of St. Louis City, who is accused of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of actual methamphetamine. Mejia-Palacios is expected to be presented in federal court today.

Mejia-Palacios, also known as the defendant 7, is being held without bond pending a hearing. If convicted, she could face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $1 million.

The indictment, which was previously sealed on August 5, 2020, also charges Mejia-Palacios with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The investigation, led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, and the United States Marshals Service, has been ongoing for several months and has resulted in the seizure of significant amounts of illicit substances and the disruption of a major trafficking network.

According to authorities, the suspects were part of a larger conspiracy that spanned multiple states and involved the distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana.

Operation Legend, a nationwide effort launched in July 2020, has contributed to the success of this investigation. The operation has led to the arrest of over 5,000 individuals and the seizure of millions of dollars in assets.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty and are expected to face trial in the coming weeks.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edmo/pr/federal-agencies-make-drug-trafficking-ring-related-arrests-st-louis-and-phoenix