DEA Archived Press Releases

Press Releases before January 20, 2025
63 Results - Showing 1 to 10
PRESS RELEASE

Trafficker Sentenced to 19.5 Years in Prison for Supplying Weapons and Ammunition to Sinaloa Cartel

SAN DIEGO – Keith Octavio Rodriguez Padilla, a prolific firearms trafficker, was sentenced in federal court today to 19.5 years in custody for his role in supplying weapons and tens of thousands of rounds of ammunition to the Sinaloa Cartel. This case is part of a long-running investigation targeting the...
PRESS RELEASE

Fifty Pounds of Cocaine and Packages of Fentanyl Seized from Interstate Trafficker in Queens

A Queens man was arraigned today on charges related to an investigation into interstate narcotics trafficking and the seizure of approximately 23 kilograms (50 pounds) of cocaine and packages of fentanyl, carrying a street value of more than $1 million. Members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey...
PRESS RELEASE

Essex County Man Sentenced to 143 Months in Prison for Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Firearms Charges

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man was sentenced today to 143 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute over five kilograms of fentanyl and four kilograms of cocaine, and possessing six firearms as a convicted felon, DEA New Jersey Field Division Special Agent in Charge...
PRESS RELEASE

Major Seizure of Approximately 360 Pounds of Cocaine from Tractor Trailer in the Bronx: Three Arrests

An investigation into interstate narcotics trafficking resulted in the seizure of approximately 163 kilogram-sized packages (360 pounds) of cocaine from the flatbed of a tractor trailer by agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division. The significant load of narcotics is estimated to carry a street value...
PRESS RELEASE

OptumRx Agrees to Pay $20M to Resolve Allegations that It Filled Opioid Prescriptions in Violation of the Controlled Substances Act

SAN DIEGO – OptumRx Inc., a prescription drug benefit provider, has agreed to pay $20 million to resolve allegations that it improperly filled certain opioid prescriptions in violation of the Controlled Substances Act. The settlement resolves an investigation initiated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) into whether, between April 2013...
PRESS RELEASE

Two Defendants Charged with Murder in Fatal Pacific Beach Fentanyl Overdose

San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan announced today that two individuals have been charged with murder in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of 31-year-old Connor Gerhart. Defendants Sheri Cavanaugh, 59, and her co-conspirator, Micah Seau, 31, are both charged with murder and conspiracy to commit a crime. The...
PRESS RELEASE

Leader of Sophisticated Sinaloa Cartel Money Laundering Organization Sentenced to 120 Months

SAN DIEG O - Luis Reinaldo Ramirez of Mesa, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court today to 120 months in prison for his role as a leader in a transnational criminal organization that laundered $16.5 million dollars in narcotics proceeds for the Sinaloa Cartel. Ramirez was also sentenced for his...
PRESS RELEASE

Dominican and Venezuelan Dual Citizen Sentenced to Seven Years in Prison for Possessing Fentanyl and Meth

CAMDEN, N.J. – A Dominican Republic and Venezuelan dual citizen was sentenced today to 84 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division, and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Jordge Luis Rodriguez...
PRESS RELEASE

Gang Member Admits to Role in Racketeering Conspiracy

NEWARK, N.J. – A member of the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips gang today admitted his role in a racketeering conspiracy, Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division, and U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced. Elijah Williams, aka “Lil Smith,” 24, pleaded guilty before U.S...
PRESS RELEASE

Essex County Man Admits to Fentanyl, Cocaine, and Firearms Charges

NEWARK, N.J. – An Essex County, New Jersey, man today admitted possessing with intent to distribute over five kilograms of fentanyl and four kilograms of cocaine, and possessing six firearms as a convicted felon, Special Agent in Charge Cheryl Ortiz of the DEA New Jersey Field Division, and U.S. Attorney...