United States Drug Enforcement Administration

CINCINNATI – An ongoing investigation stemming from the May 10 arrest of two Southwest Ohio relatives has led investigators to taking an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine from the alleged drug traffickers.  

Damian Galan, 31, of Cincinnati, and Diego Galan, 19, of Fairfield, appeared in federal court following their arrests by agents with the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF). Their case was announced at that time and involved approximately 80 kilograms of cocaine.

During subsequent searches of properties, investigators discovered an additional 244 kilograms of suspected cocaine in locations near Columbus. In total, the case thus far involves 325 kilograms, or approximately 716 pounds, of narcotics. The street value of the drugs seized is more than $5.8 million dollars.

“These seizures send a powerful message to drug traffickers operating in this region: we will find you, dismantle your networks, and seize your poison before it reaches our streets. More than 700 pounds of cocaine, valued at approximately $5.8 million, was taken out of circulation through the coordinated efforts of the DEA and our Homeland Security Task Force partners. We are using every federal tool available to destroy these criminal operations and save American lives," said Detroit Field Division Special Agent in Charge Joseph O. Dixon. 

According to charging documents, the DEA Cincinnati District Office, the Cincinnati Police Department and other agencies within the Cincinnati Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) received information regarding the Galans’ potential drug trafficking throughout the Southern District of Ohio and elsewhere.

Surveillance of the men, as well as additional investigation, led law enforcement officials to locations in the Columbus area May 9. Those involved in the organization were seen traveling in tandem to locations suspected of storing narcotics and drug proceeds.

The defendants then allegedly traveled to Diego’s residence in Fairfield, where they moved the four storage containers observed being placed in their vehicle.

Law enforcement officials executed search warrants at both Galan residences. They discovered four kilograms of suspected cocaine and a firearm at Damian Galan’s home.  The search of Diego Galan’s residence recovered the storage bins – which contained approximately 77 kilograms of suspected cocaine – along with bulk cash, firearms and suspected methamphetamine.

The men were arrested in the early morning hours of May 10.

They are each charged with conspiring to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, a federal crime punishable by at least 10 years and up to life in prison.

United States Attorney Office for the Southern District of Ohio and members of the HSTF, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Cincinnati Police Department, FBI, HSI and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office’s Regional Narcotics Unit (RENU), announced the charges.