A total of 29 individuals have been detained in connection with money laundering and drug trafficking offenses, following a significant law enforcement operation across Houston and other U.S. regions, according to acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.
The coordinated operation involved multiple jurisdictions, including Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, and various parts of Texas. Those apprehended in the Houston area are making initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray.
Four indictments outline alleged crimes occurring from April 2022 to October 2024. These indictments were returned by Houston grand juries in late 2024 and accuse the defendants of participating in a multinational trade-based money laundering network linked to criminal organizations like the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The network reportedly laundered illicit funds through cellular phone transactions.
Among those charged is Francisco Jaramillo-Valdovinos, also known as Chico Jaramillo, purportedly a high-ranking CJNG commander. He remains at large with an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Information on his whereabouts can be reported to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) at 713-693-3000.
These arrests conclude a 21-month investigation by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), named Operation Noch. Law enforcement allegedly seized hundreds of kilograms of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, alprazolam, and millions in drug proceeds during this period.
Authorities also confiscated 85 kilograms of methamphetamine, 10 kilograms of cocaine, 17 firearms, $481,000 from a bank account and approximately $566,000 in cash during the arrests.
Convictions for drug trafficking could result in life sentences and hefty fines for many accused individuals; those charged with money laundering may face up to 20 years imprisonment.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration and IRS Criminal Investigation alongside police departments from Houston and Galveston with support from the U.S. Marshals Service and various local law enforcement agencies nationwide.
OCDETF's mission is to identify and dismantle major criminal organizations threatening the United States using a prosecutor-led approach that integrates intelligence from multiple agencies. More details about OCDETF can be found on the Department of Justice’s website.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman, Sherin Daniel and Leo J. Leo III are handling prosecution efforts.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an accusation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty through due legal processes.