HOUSTON – Three Colombian citizens are set to appear in federal court for their alleged roles in a drug smuggling attempt involving more than 1,300 kilograms of cocaine, announced DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Jesus Alfredo De La Cruz Orobio...

HOUSTON – An alleged ranking member of the Clan Del Golfo has been extradited to the United States to face numerous drug trafficking and money laundering charges, announced DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, along with U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick and FBI Special Agent in Charge...

HOUSTON – A 34-year-old Mexican foreign national who illegally resided in Houston has been ordered to prison for conspiracy and meth smuggling, announced DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. The jury deliberated for less than three hours following a three-day trial...

BROWNSVILLE, Texas – A 39-year-old Florida man has been sentenced to federal prison for his role in a Rio Grande Valley-based drug conspiracy, announced DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Roberto Santos-Gonzalez pleaded guilty on June 4 to conspiracy with intent...

SEATTLE – Two Skagit County residents are charged in U.S. District Court in Seattle in connection with a drug distribution ring selling fake oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl in Whatcom and Skagit Counties. The pills are linked to the overdose death of a 17-year-old Bellingham teen. Rosaliana Lopez-Rodriguez, 21, of...

LAREDO, Texas – A 28-year-old Laredo native has admitted to conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute more than 135 kilograms of marijuana, announced DEA Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. On Sept. 13, authorities observed a man – later identified...

LAREDO, Texas – A 24-year-old Laredo resident has admitted he conspired to possess with intent to distribute a large quantity of marijuana, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. On July 18, authorities observed six individuals carrying bundles near...

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – A 25-year-old Pharr resident has been ordered to federal prison following her conviction of conspiring to distribute nearly six kilograms of methamphetamine, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple and U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Patrick. Sadie Elaine Canales pleaded guilty Feb...

SAN ANTONIO - A federal judge sentenced 35-year-old ringleader Andrew Sanchez (aka “Freight,” “Hakeem”) to 15 years in federal prison for his role in a narcotics distribution operation on San Antonio’s eastside, announced Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Special Agent in Charge Steven S. Whipple, Houston Division and U.S. Attorney John...

SEATTLE - Jaime Montalvo-Mariscal, 27, of Pasco, Washington, was sentenced Nov. 18, 2019, after having pleaded guilty on July 22, 2019, for conspiracy to traffic in methamphetamine, fentanyl and heroin. Senior U.S. District Judge Nielsen sentenced Montalvo-Mariscal to 210 months in prison. DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Weis was...