News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2003

DEA Dismantles a Northern California Methamphetamine Organization arresting 13 individuals and seizing 2 Methamphetamine Labs

SEPT 9--Today the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announces the culmination of a two year Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation targeting a Drug Trafficking Organization who were involved in the manufacture and distribution of Methamphetamine and other drugs in the area of the South Bay.

Arrested today were:
Sostenes Rios-Barajas of Hayward, Jose Maria Rios of Newark, Jose Transito Rios of San Jose, Salvador Rios of San Jose, and Juan Ignacio Rosas of San Jose. All were charged with Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, Conspiracy to distribute Methamphetamine and Utilization of a communications device in the furtherance of drug trafficking. Eight (8) additional individuals will have their initial appearance tomorrow at the San Jose Federal Courthouse in front of Magistrate Patricia Trumbull at 9:30 a.m.

The charges are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Enforcement operations were conducted simultaneously at 14 different locations and the following were seized:
16 lbs. of Methamphetamine
8 lbs. of Crystal Methamphetamine, also known as "Ice"
2 Methamphetamine labs
50 lbs. of Marijuana
1 Ounce of cocaine
3 firearms
$13,000 in US Currency

Earlier in the investigation 3.5 lbs. of Crystal Methamphetamine, 1 lb. of Methamphetamine, $8000 in US Currency and two vehicles were seized from this organization.

Additionally, 9 individuals were detained and turned over to the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BICE) when it was determined that they were undocumented aliens.

Stephen Delgado, Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division of the DEA stated: "Methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, and other drugs continue to be a threat to our communities in the Bay Area. The OCDETF program has unified the United States Attorney's Office along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to work together in dismantling large drug trafficking organizations. This investigation is an example of this cooperation".

The DEA wishes to thank the United States Attorney's Office, Northern District of California, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the State of California Department of Justice Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE) for their invaluable assistance during this complex investigation.