United States Drug Enforcement Administration

EL PASO, Texas – Agents and investigators from the Drug Enforcement Administration and Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigation Division conducted multiple independent investigations over the last year focused on identifying and targeting criminal organizations and individuals suspected of prescription drug fraud or manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance involving prescription drugs, announced El Paso County District Attorney Jaime Esparza, DEA El Paso Division Special Agent in Charge Kyle W. Williamson and Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Orlando Alanis.

The controlled substances that the suspects obtained or conspired to obtain by fraud included fentanyl, hydrocodone, Zolpidem Tartrate, clonazepam, tramadol, alprazolam, Tylenol with codeine, Lyrica, phentermine and Promethazine with codeine. Additionally, in a joint TX DPS/DEA investigation, three individuals were charged with manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance for trafficking hydrocodone, phentermine and Xanax. 

“The diversion and abuse of prescription drugs remain a significant problem in our community,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Williamson, "For the health and safety of our citizens, DEA and its partners will continue to target the illegal diversion of these pharmaceuticals, the abuse of which leads to addiction, destroys lives, and all too often results in death.” 

“We are proud to have participated in these important investigations that were key in putting these suspects behind bars and helping protect our community from becoming their victims,” said Regional Director Alanis.

The individuals charged were:

On Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019, agents from DEA and DPS arrested 10 of those charged. Alejandra Diaz and Michelle Garcia were arrested prior to Sept. 25, 2019, Cindy Vaugn was issued a summons to appear and Juan Galindo is incarcerated on unrelated charges. 

Assisting in this operation were agents of the DEA, Texas DPS, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security Investigations, United States Border Patrol, El Paso Police Department, El Paso County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office, members of the 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office and members of the 5th Judicial District of New Mexico.

To report prescription drug fraud, please contact DEA: 915-231-4300 or DPS: 915-849-4000.

It is important to note that an indictment is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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