Press Releases

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PRESS RELEASE

Top Ecuadorian Leader of Los Choneros, a Violent Foreign Terrorist Organization, Extradited to the United States to Face International Narcotics and Firearm Charges Following Homeland Security Task Force Initiative

Francisco Manuel Bermúdez Cagua, also known as “Churrón,” will be arraigned in federal court in Brooklyn this afternoon before United States Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo on a superseding indictment charging him with international cocaine distribution conspiracy, international cocaine distribution, and use of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking. Bermúdez Cagua...
PRESS RELEASE

Ugandan National Extradited to the United States to Face Cocaine and Firearms Trafficking Charges in Homeland Security Task Force Case

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – Ugandan national Michael Katungi Mpweire, 45, made an initial appearance in federal court today on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, conspiracy to possess firearms, including machineguns and destructive devices, in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and conspiracy to provide material support or resources to a...
PRESS RELEASE

Leader Of Dominican-Based Drug Trafficking Organization Extradited from Colombia to United States to Face Charges as Part of HSTF Initiative

Washington, D.C. - The leader of a Dominican Republic-based international cocaine trafficking and money laundering organization was extradited from Colombia to the United States yesterday to face drug trafficking charges filed in two separate indictments in the Districts of Puerto Rico and New Jersey as well as money laundering charges...
PRESS RELEASE

40th International Drug Enforcement Conference Focuses on Justice through Strength and Unity

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Argentina’s Ministry of National Security concluded the 40th annual International Drug Enforcement Conference (IDEC) last week, bringing together more than 500 senior drug enforcement officials and delegates from 110 countries to strengthen global cooperation in the fight against transnational drug...
PRESS RELEASE

DEA Hearing on Proposed Marijuana Rescheduling Begins June 29

WASHINGTON – Formal hearing proceedings regarding the proposed rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) will begin on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 9:00 A.M. ET in the North Courtroom at DEA Headquarters located at 700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, Va. The...
PRESS RELEASE

Tren de Aragua Leader Extradited on Terrorism and International Drug Distribution Charges

A 24-year-old Venezuelan national is set to make his initial appearance in Houston federal court for providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization and significant drug trafficking offenses. Jose Enrique Martinez Flores also known as “Chuqui,” 24, is alleged to be a high-ranking leader of the designated foreign terrorist...
PRESS RELEASE

Terrance C. Cole Sworn in as Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

WASHINGTON – Terrance C. “Terry” Cole was sworn in as DEA Administrator on July 23, 2025, following his confirmation by the U.S. Senate. Mr. Cole is a distinguished public servant who has spent more than 31 years in law enforcement, 22 of which were at DEA fighting the drug cartels...
PRESS RELEASE

José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar Faces International Drug and Weapon Charges Following His Extradition to the United States

BROOKLYN, NY – José Adolfo Macías Villamar, aka "Fito,” a citizen of Ecuador, was arraigned in federal court in the Eastern District of New York on Monday for crimes allegedly committed as the leader of the Los Choneros Transnational Criminal Organization. Based in Ecuador, Los Choneros is believed to be...