DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
59 Results - Showing 1 to 10
PRESS RELEASE

Trafficker Sentenced to 19.5 Years in Prison for Supplying Weapons and Ammunition to Sinaloa Cartel

SAN DIEGO – Keith Octavio Rodriguez Padilla, a prolific firearms trafficker, was sentenced in federal court today to 19.5 years in custody for his role in supplying weapons and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Sinaloa Cartel. This case is part of a long-running investigation targeting the...
PRESS RELEASE

Over 85 Pounds of Cocaine and Fentanyl, 8 Guns and $420,000 Cash Seized in Williamsburg, Brooklyn: Man Charged as Major Trafficker

A long-term wiretap investigation resulted in the arrest of a Brooklyn man and netted over 39 kilograms (more than 85 pounds) of cocaine and fentanyl, eight loaded firearms, and approximately $420,000 cash from the defendant’s car, which was parked outside of a residential building he owns at 151 Leonard Street...
PRESS RELEASE

Three Charged in Fentanyl/Heroin Packaging Operation in the Bronx: Over 13 Pounds of Illicit Drug Mixtures Seized

As part of an ongoing investigation into fentanyl/heroin trafficking in New York City, federal, state and local law enforcement officers recovered over 13 pounds of drug mixtures, including fentanyl, heroin, xylazine, methamphetamine, and cocaine, from inside a packaging mill. The drugs are estimated to carry a street value of over...
PRESS RELEASE

Syracuse Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Drug and Firearms Offenses

SYRACUSE, NEW YORK – Mario Leslie, 32, of Syracuse, New York, was sentenced yesterday to serve 10 years in federal prison for his convictions for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, announced United States Attorney Carla B. Freedman, Frank A. Tarentino...
PRESS RELEASE

Columbian National Admits Conspiracy to Import 15 Kilograms of Cocaine

NEWARK, N.J. – A Columbian citizen admitted conspiring to import 15 kilograms of cocaine into the United States from Columbia, DEA New York Division Special Agent in Charge Frank Tarentino, and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Savier Cervantes, 37, of Cartagena, Colombia, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Evelyn...
PRESS RELEASE

New Jersey Man Arrested in Sales of Eight Guns, Cocaine and “Pink Cocaine” in Manhattan

A long-term undercover investigation resulted in the arrest of a New Jersey man in connection with sales of eight guns, cocaine and “pink cocaine” in locations across Manhattan. Laboratory analysis of the “pink cocaine,” also known by the street name “tusi,” indicated the presence of ketamine and MDMA. Bridget G...
PRESS RELEASE

Over 20 Pounds of Narcotics and a Gun Seized in the Bronx

An undercover investigation that began with a large cocaine sale resulted in the seizure of a gun and nearly 25 pounds of narcotics, including what appeared to be heroin/fentanyl and oxycodone pills, as well as methamphetamine. CARLOS TORRES and a second individual were arrested on Friday, July 12, 2024, and...
PRESS RELEASE

OptumRx Agrees to Pay $20M to Resolve Allegations that It Filled Opioid Prescriptions in Violation of the Controlled Substances Act

SAN DIEGO – OptumRx Inc., a prescription drug benefit provider, has agreed to pay $20 million to resolve allegations that it improperly filled certain opioid prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The settlement resolves an investigation initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into whether, between April 2013...
PRESS RELEASE

Two Defendants Charged with Murder in Fatal Pacific Beach Fentanyl Overdose

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that two individuals have been charged with murder in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of 31-year-old Connor Gerhart. Defendants Sheri Cavanaugh, 59, and her co-conspirator, Micah Seau, 31, are both charged with murder and conspiracy to commit a crime. The...
PRESS RELEASE

Leader of Sophisticated Sinaloa Cartel Money Laundering Organization Sentenced to 120 Months

SAN DIEG O - Luis Reinaldo Ramirez of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court today to 120 months in prison for his role as a leader in a transnational criminal organization that laundered $16.5 million dollars in narcotics proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel. Ramirez was also sentenced for his...