Sixty-two alleged gang members from Arecibo, Puerto Rico, have been charged with drug trafficking and firearms violations following a federal grand jury indictment. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland expressed gratitude to various law enforcement agencies for their efforts in the operation, stating, "The residents of public housing projects deserve better than to be terrorized by violent drug trafficking gangs." ATF Director Steven Dettelbach emphasized the commitment of law enforcement to protect innocent residents from gun violence and drug dealing in public housing areas.
U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow for the District of Puerto Rico highlighted the resolve of law enforcement to bring violent criminals to justice, stating, "The Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantle criminal organizations, hold gang members accountable, and pursue justice for victims." Special Agent in Charge Denise Foster of the DEA Detroit Field Office praised the collaborative efforts that led to significant arrests and drug seizures in Puerto Rico.
The indictment alleges that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization operating within public housing projects in Puerto Rico. The defendants played various roles within the organization to further drug trafficking activities. The defendants face severe penalties if convicted, including mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 5 to 10 years in prison, as well as substantial fines.
The case was investigated by ATF, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, Arecibo Strike Force, and DEA, with the collaboration of several other law enforcement agencies. Prosecution of the case is being led by Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the District of Puerto Rico.
This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, which aims to disrupt and dismantle high-level drug traffickers and criminal organizations. An indictment is an allegation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.