Texas Trio Busted with 51 Kilos of Coke in Ohio

CLEVELAND, OH – A massive cocaine shipment and three out-of-state dealers are in federal custody following a grand jury indictment handed down in Cleveland. Guadalupe J. Zarate, 42, of Penitas, Texas; Jesus Alberto Flores, 25, of Pharr, Texas; and Noe Romero Salinas, 32, of Rio Grande, Texas, are accused of attempting to flood the Northern District of Ohio with over 51 kilograms – that’s more than 100 pounds – of the highly addictive drug.

The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Steven M. Dettelbach, alleges the three men were in possession of the cocaine within the Northern District of Ohio on April 4, 2014. Details of *how* the drugs made their way into Ohio are currently sealed, but sources indicate a multi-state operation was involved. This wasn’t a small-time deal; we’re talking about a serious quantity of narcotics.

The charge against the trio is possession with the intent to distribute. If convicted, each defendant faces an indeterminate sentence determined by the Court. While the statutory maximum exists, prosecutors emphasized the final sentence will consider factors such as prior criminal records (if any), the role each man played in the operation, and the specific details of the crime. Don’t expect a slap on the wrist if these guys are found guilty.

The bust was the result of a coordinated effort between multiple law enforcement agencies. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) took the lead, with crucial support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Akron Police Department, and the Summit County Sheriff’s Office. The Akron-Summit County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) initiative also played a key role in tracking the shipment and bringing these men to justice.

Assistant United States Attorney Samuel A. Yannucci is prosecuting the case. It’s crucial to remember, however, that an indictment is *not* a conviction. Each of these men is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. They are entitled to a vigorous defense, and the government bears the burden of proof.

Grimy Times will continue to follow this case as it moves through the legal system. The streets of Ohio are a little safer tonight with these alleged drug traffickers off the board, but the war on drugs is far from over. Expect further updates as we dig deeper into this operation and the networks it exposed.

RELATED: Cocaine Cash & Highway Stops: WI Man Busted in TX