United States Drug Enforcement Administration

LAFAYETTE, La. – DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer and United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller announced the disruption of major transnational drug trafficking operations following two significant seizures by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) in Louisiana’s Western District.

The operations resulted in the removal of approximately 550 pounds (247 kilograms) of methamphetamine and cocaine from the illicit supply chain, striking a significant blow to the cartels attempting to establish a foothold in the region.

“Whether it is concealed in ice cream machines or hidden in the cab of an 18-wheeler, the DEA and our partners are seeing right through the deceptive tactics of these criminal organizations,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Steven Hofer. “Removing nearly 550 pounds of methamphetamine and cocaine from the supply chain in just two stops is a massive victory for public safety.”

Major DEA Seizures in the Western District

The following cases highlight recent enforcement successes by the DEA and the Louisiana State Police:

The "Ice Cream Machine" Meth Bust (Breaux Bridge): In United States v. Garcia Rodriguez et al., agents intercepted two Mexican nationals towing several industrial ice cream freezers. Upon inspection, agents discovered fabricated metal boxes welded inside the insulated compartments. The search yielded approximately 147 kilograms (324 pounds) of methamphetamine.

In the matter United States v. Ranulfo Garcia Rodriguez and Christian Antonio Sanchez Ramirez, No. 26-cr-00070, two Mexican nationals were found to be towing several ice cream freezers concealing several fabricated metal boxes.

Inside the metal boxes that were welded to the back wall of the ice cream freezer, agents located approximately 147 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The 18-Wheeler Cocaine Interdiction (Lafayette): In United States v. Fields and Adams, a coordinated stop of a commercial tractor-trailer led to the discovery of a sophisticated hidden compartment built into the cab of the vehicle. Agents seized approximately 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of cocaine.

In the matter United States v. Lance Fields and Ronald Adams, Jr., No. 26-cr-00102, involves an 18-wheeler found to be trafficking approximately 100 kilograms of cocaine, concealed in a hidden compartment inside of the cab of the 18-wheeler. 

If convicted, the defendants face sentences that range from 10 years to life in federal prison.

Relentless Pursuit of Transnational Networks

These cases are part of the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, a whole-of-government partnership designed to dismantle the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG), the Gulf Cartel, and other transnational criminal organizations.

“We remain relentless in our mission to dismantle these networks and protect our communities from the violence and addiction these traffickers bring to our doorstep,” added SAC Hofer.

The defendants in these cases face mandatory minimum sentences of 10 years and up to life imprisonment if convicted.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.