47 Arrested In Federal Narcotics Trafficking Sting

HOUSTON - Federal investigators announced the arrest of 47 people on charges related to narcotics trafficking and other crimes in the Houston-Galveston area. The arrests are the culmination of 31-month Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force investigation (OCDETF) dubbed Operation Wrecking Ball, which centered on the alleged illegal activities of 56 accused smugglers.

“This operation is the result of countless hours of hard work by officers and agents from many different agencies,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Patrick. “OCDETF is uniquely able to marshal resources for complex cases. The Department of Justice is committed to disrupting the work of international cartels and other drug trafficking organizations. This case also is reinvigorating my office’s commitment to Galveston. For the first time in decades, we have a full time prosecutor on the island who is focused on cases that will have a local impact in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston and Matagorda counties.”

During the law enforcement operation agents arrested 43 people over a two-day span. They join four others who were already in custody. Officials said nine are still at large and are considered fugitives.

“Today’s enforcement operation marks the culmination of a three and a half year investigation targeting one of the largest suspected drug organizations seen in Southeast Texas in decades,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Will R. Glaspy. “The success of this investigation was possible only because of the many law enforcement agencies dedicated to protecting our communities in the greater Houston/Galveston area from those who prey on them.”

The indictment, which was returned in November 2018 and unsealed on Wednesday, alleges the defendants engaged in a variety of cocaine and heroin transactions. Some also allegedly conspired to commit money laundering and illegally transferred money to avoid reporting requirements.

According to federal investigators, the crimes occurred between Feb. l, 2016, and April 19, 2018, and that during that same time frame, that narcotics were smuggled into the United States from Colombia and Mexico.

Heroin and Cocaine was then distributed through Houston to Atlanta, Georgia; Buffalo and New York, N.Y.; Miami, Florida; New Orleans, Louisiana; and Norfolk, Virginia.

The indictment also seeks forfeiture of any illegal proceeds of the alleged crimes. Federal agents have have seized $3.1 million related to these crimes, officials said.

The suspects will make initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Edison in Houston beginning at 10 a.m. on March 21.

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