SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division highlights significant prosecutorial results achieved through the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) during the week of September 14 through September 18, 2026, including multiple guilty pleas and federal prison sentences involving cocaine importation, drug trafficking organizations, and firearms...

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division, working alongside its Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) partners, announces federal charges against 17 individuals allegedly involved in a drug trafficking organization that used the Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport and the U.S. mail system to transport cocaine...

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division highlights the latest prosecutorial results achieved through the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) in Puerto Rico, demonstrating the continued impact of coordinated federal, state, and local efforts against drug trafficking and other criminal organizations. During the week of...

SAN FRANCISCO — As synthetic drugs continue to evolve and threaten American lives, DEA chemists and forensic science professionals play an essential role in helping the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration identify emerging threats, connect evidence to investigations, and provide timely information that can save lives. From analyzing suspected fentanyl and...

FRESNO, Calif. — Three individuals were charged today following a multi‑agency investigation that dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine conversion laboratory in Terra Bella, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris announced. Jose Diarte-Perez, 46, and Carlos Beltran-Ochoa, 27, both from Mexico and illegally...

PITTSBURGH, Pa. – A resident of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has been sentenced in federal court to 60 months of imprisonment, to be followed by 48 months of supervised release, on his conviction for possession with intent to distribute 10 grams or more of fluorofentanyl, 40 grams or more of fentanyl, 500...

SCRANTON - The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania announced that Jerrod Curtis, age 42, Paul Daniel Chavis, a/k/a “Payne,” age 56, and Reneard Harris, age 68, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, were convicted on September 10, 2026, for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and other drug...

SAN FRANCISCO- In June, DEA San Francisco Field Division and detectives with Marin County Sheriff’s Department Specialized Investigative Unit (SIU), began a narcotics investigation into Ian Howerton, 31, of San Francisco. During the investigation, undercover detectives conducted controlled purchases which included the sale of Cocaine and Ketamine from Howerton in...

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico – Today in Puerto Rico, Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that 81 members of a violent drug trafficking organization have been charged federally following a Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) investigation. The FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Department successfully led the takedown and arrest yesterday...

OAKLAND – Joel Dowen was sentenced to eighteen years in federal prison on August 7, 2026, for engaging in a violent extortion scheme, shooting at a federal officer, drug dealing, and bank fraud. Co-defendant Micah-Luc Almeida was sentenced to three years in federal prison for conspiring to deal drugs with...