United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Agents from the Shenandoah County Team of the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force and Drug Enforcement Administration arrested Saul Benitez-Garcia, 28, of 102 Williamson Road, Winchester, VA, in Strasburg, Virginia on September 15, 2006.

Benitez-Garcia was subsequently charged with conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine. Agents also seized $5,407 and a 9mm pistol as a result of the investigation.

After Mr. Benitez-Garcia’s arrest, agents searched Mr. Benitez-Garcia’s apartment and seized approximately two ounces of powder cocaine and $4,764 in cash. Agents also seized a large amount of fake identification documents.

The narcotics have an estimated street value of between $30,476 and $60,953, depending on the purity of the cocaine and the method in which it is sold.

Agents from the Northwest Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, the Virginia State Police Interdiction Team, and the Department of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted with the investigation.

Federal charges against Benitez-Garcia are pending.