DEA Caribbean Division Strikes Major Blow Against Violent Drug Trafficking Organization in Southern Puerto Rico
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Caribbean Division, working alongside its federal and local law enforcement partners, delivered a significant blow to a violent drug trafficking organization operating across Juana Díaz, Villalba, and Coamo, resulting in the federal indictment of 28 individuals.
The DEA-led investigation, conducted jointly with the Puerto Rico Police Bureau’s Ponce Strike Force, targeted a criminal network responsible for distributing fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, crack, marijuana, and controlled prescription drugs throughout southern Puerto Rico.
Operating since 2022, the organization allegedly used firearms, intimidation, and violence to control drug trafficking territories in public housing communities and surrounding neighborhoods. The investigation also uncovered the transportation of kilogram quantities of cocaine to the continental United States.
Of the 28 defendants, 20 face firearms charges, including 14 charged with possessing machine guns in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes. The indictment also seeks approximately $4.16 million in narcotics-related forfeitures.
DEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge Michael Mayer emphasized the importance of unified law enforcement efforts: “Violent drug trafficking organizations have no place in our communities. Through the Homeland Security Task Force, the DEA Caribbean Division and our federal, state, and local partners are sending a clear message: we will relentlessly pursue those who profit from addiction, violence, and fear. Every investigation, every arrest, and every partnership brings us closer to safer neighborhoods and a Fentanyl Free America. Protecting the people of Puerto Rico and the remains our mission and our responsibility.”
The investigation was supported by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS), with additional operational assistance from the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Marshals Service, and the Puerto Rico Department of Correction and Rehabilitation.
Conducted under the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) initiative, this operation reinforces the DEA Caribbean Division’s commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks through intelligence-driven investigations and strong interagency partnerships.
28 indicted. Three municipalities. $4.16 million in forfeiture allegations. One mission: protecting Puerto Rico and its communities.
