The charges involve cocaine, heroin, and meth trafficking, firearms violations, and money laundering,
HOUSTON — Federal authorities have arrested 23 individuals in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operation spanning the Houston/Galveston and Rio Grande Valley areas, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The arrest stems from long-running investigations under three federal operations—Red Ranger, Borrowed Time, and Resurrection.
During the operations, law enforcement seized more than 170 kilos of cocaine and heroin, over 2,000 kilos of methamphetamine, nearly $3 million in cash, more than 100 firearms, and four properties valued at $1.2 million.
Some of the individuals were truck drivers allegedly delivering drugs across the border. Authorities say one shipment included 10 kilos of cocaine sent to Georgia, with the drug money used to pay drivers.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America,” said Ganjei, referencing the Justice Department’s national initiative toward dismantling cartels, criminal transactions, and protecting communities from violent offenders.
Those arrested have begun appearing in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judges Christina Bryan in Houston, Andrew Edison in Galveston, and Nadia Medrano in McAllen. Others remain in state custody and are expected in federal court soon.
If convicted, drug trafficking defendants face up to life in prison and multimillion-dollar fines. Money laundering charges carry up to 20 years, and firearms offenses up to 15 years.
The investigation was led by DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and ATF, including assistance from sheriff’s offices in Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers, Hidalgo, Harris and Kleberg as well as police department in Houston, Katy and Galveston.
