The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado has charged Jose Manuel Guerra-Caballero, a 37-year-old Venezuelan, with conspiracy to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The complaint alleges that Guerra-Caballero, identified by a co-conspirator as part of the Tren de Aragua criminal organization, collaborated with six others to provide armed protection for a drug transaction involving ten pounds of methamphetamine. He reportedly coordinated the protection remotely and confirmed via phone that his associates were prepared and armed for the operation.
This alleged drug deal was actually a setup by undercover agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), following offers from Guerra-Caballero and his associates to engage in various illegal activities. The sting operation occurred after several firearms purchases by ATF officers whom Guerra-Caballero believed intended to traffic them to Mexico.
Guerra-Caballero was apprehended in Indiana and had his initial court appearance before Judge Colin H. Lindsay in Kentucky's Western District.
The investigation is being conducted by the ATF and Homeland Security Investigations. The case is prosecuted by the Violent Crimes and Immigration Enforcement Section of the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Colorado.