TOLEDO, OH – A massive cocaine haul and the subsequent arrests of two men have rocked the city’s underworld. Federal agents seized approximately 39 kilograms of suspected cocaine – valued at a staggering $1.5 million on the streets – during a raid on a Toledo residence, authorities announced today.
The bust went down May 10, 2017, at a property located at 814 Stillman Street. A federal search warrant, obtained through investigative work, allowed law enforcement officials from multiple agencies to descend upon the location. In addition to the cocaine, officers also recovered approximately $27,000 in currency, suggesting a well-funded operation.
Jose Rios Uzveta, age 40, and Cesario Perez, age 58, were both taken into federal custody. The pair now face charges of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. Both men made their initial appearances in federal court this morning and were immediately detained pending further proceedings.
The operation was a collaborative effort, involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Toledo Resident Agency, the Toledo Metro Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Northwest Ohio Drug Task Force, with oversight from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio. This indicates the scope and seriousness of the investigation.
Authorities are quick to remind the public that a complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The government bears the burden of proof in establishing guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in a fair trial. Both Uzveta and Perez are scheduled to reappear in federal court on May 18.
The FBI’s Cleveland Office is handling media inquiries related to this case. SA Vicki D Anderson can be reached at 216-522-1400 or Vicki.Anderson@ic.fbi.gov. This bust sends a clear message: drug trafficking will not be tolerated in Northern Ohio, and those involved will face the full force of federal law.
Related Federal Cases
Key Facts
- State: Ohio
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News