Leader Of Drug Trafficking Organization Sentenced To 10 Years In Prison
INDIANAPOLIS - Jack Riley, Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago Field Division of the Drug Enforcement (DEA), and Joseph H. Hogsett, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana announced today that Agustin Lozano, 35, Sinaola, Mexico, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William T. Lawrence to 121 (10 years) in prison for his role in a drug trafficking organization that operated from Mexico, to Chicago, to Indianapolis.
In July 2010, an undercover officer with the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police (IMPD) purchased three grams of cocaine for $150 on Indianapolis’ west-side. Eight months later, due to methodical and patient police work by federal and local law enforcement agencies, the original small undercover buy culminated on December 15, 2010, with the seizure and confiscation of 48 (109 pounds) of cocaine valued at $1.5 million and 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine valued at approximately $80,000. The history of this organization revealed that they had been responsible for the regular distribution of up to five pounds of methamphetamine and 10 kilograms of cocaine a month to the Indianapolis area alone.
SAC Riley praised the dedication and teamwork of the agents, officers and prosecutors who worked tirelessly to help bring Lozano to justice. “This investigation is indicative of the commitment and resources that are necessary to bring charges against the leaders of these drug trafficking organizations,” said SAC Riley.
United States Attorney Hogsett said, “Today’s sentence is an example of proactive and cooperative anti-drug police work at its finest. A drug bust of this significance occurs only once every couple of years. Let the message be heard loud and clear to all those who seek mayhem by trafficking in illegal narcotics, you will be identified, you will be investigated and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Lozano was responsible for acquiring large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine from his sources of supply which were then distributed to mid-level distributors in Indianapolis. Also seized in the operation was 184 pounds of marijuana, 18 guns, and $69,535.00 in United States currency. These charges resulted from an eight month investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs (ICE) Homeland Security (HSI) and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation Division.
According to First Assistant U. S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler, who is prosecuting the case for the government, Lozano also plead guilty to money laundering and is subject to deportation after his release from prison.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
