Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
Merrick B. Garland, Attorney General | https://www.justice.gov/
A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted 23 members of a violent gang from Aguadilla on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The indictment was announced by W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, following an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau's Aguadilla Strike Force.
U.S. Attorney Muldrow stated, "Criminal organizations like the one we dismantled today harm the community with drug trafficking and acts of violence." He emphasized that federal and state authorities will continue efforts to remove violent gang members from communities.
Joseph González, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, remarked on the operation's success: “Our successful operation and the indictment of over 20 individuals in this case stand as a resolute testament to the unwavering commitment of our office to combat drug trafficking organizations across our entire area of responsibility.”
The indictment alleges that since 2015, the gang distributed cocaine base, cocaine, and marijuana near La Montaña Public Housing Project in Aguadilla for significant financial gain. The defendants allegedly moved their distribution point within different areas inside the housing project to evade law enforcement detection. They reportedly used face masks and requested government identification from buyers to avoid selling to undercover agents.
The defendants held various roles within the organization, including leaders, enforcers, runners, sellers, and facilitators. They are accused of using force and intimidation against rival groups and within their own ranks.
Eight defendants face additional charges related to possession of firearms during a drug trafficking crime. If convicted on drug charges alone, they could receive sentences ranging from ten years to life imprisonment. Convictions on both drug and firearms charges could result in sentences from fifteen years to life imprisonment. Additionally, there is a narcotics forfeiture allegation amounting to $6,897,500 against those charged.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Alberto López-Rocafort, Teresa Zapata-Valladares, Pedro R. Casablanca, and Héctor Siaca Flores are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
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