News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 12, 2004

For further information contact:
Special Agent Douglas S. Collier
Public Information Officer
TEL: (973) 273-5095
CELL: (862) 849-9833

International Cocaine
Distribution Organization Dismantled

AUG 12--Special Agent in Charge Michael Pasterchick, Jr., of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Newark Division and the United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Christopher J. Christie announce the arrests of seven individuals and the seizure of three Lear jet aircraft, 64 kilograms of cocaine, one AK-47 assault rifle, two handguns and approximately $700,000.00. The organization’s ring leader, Jesus Frias-Cisneros, was arrested in New York on August 11, 2004. Frias’ associates Carlos Escobar and Carlos Faz were also arrested in New York City on August 09, 2004. The arrests were based on complaints filed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey. Four others were arrested, including one in Texas, in connection with this investigation.

DEA Agents and Task Force Officers established telephonic wiretaps on Frias’, Escobar’s and Faz’ phones which identified them as the leaders of a cocaine trafficking network responsible for the importation of cocaine from Mexico into the United States. This organization utilized fixed wing, multi-engine Lear jets to bring cocaine to New Jersey from Texas and Arizona after being smuggled into the United States from Mexico. These Lear jets would then take the cash proceeds from the cocaine sales back to cities located in Texas, Arizona, and California. The three Lear jets seized by DEA have an estimated value of $5. million dollars.

Special Agent in Charge Pasterchick acknowledged the importance of law enforcement agencies working together for a common goal, arresting drug traffickers, seizing assets and removing drugs before they hit the streets. Special Agent in Charge Pasterchick described the importance of the success of this investigation by saying, “Not only did we arrest the individuals responsible for the importation and distribution of cocaine, but their multi-million dollar transportation infrastructure was also removed,” Pasterchick further stated, “sending a strong message that we will go after individuals and/or businesses who choose to facilitate drug traffickers.”

Assistant United States Attorney for the District of New Jersey, Marion Percell, will handle the prosecution of this investigation.