Five individuals have been indicted in the Western District of Tennessee on federal charges related to an organized drug trafficking operation. This operation took place in the region over a period of two years, involving the distribution of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The investigation leading to these charges was conducted by the FBI's Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration in partnership with multiple local law enforcement agencies. The unsealed indictments were announced by Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee.
The court documents specify that between April 2023 and March 2025, the accused, along with others, collaborated to distribute these substances across West Tennessee. Their activities are reportedly tied to the Sinaloa cartel, a major transnational organization from Sinaloa, Mexico, classified as a foreign terrorist organization and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist earlier this year. The cartel is known for producing and trafficking controlled substances like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the U.S.
As part of the investigation, authorities confiscated significant quantities of drugs, cash, and firearms, including 10 kilograms of cocaine, more than 16 pounds of methamphetamine, 30,000 fentanyl pills, about 40 pounds of marijuana, $21,000 in cash, and a firearm. The indictment aligns with "Operation Take Back America," an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations.
On March 20, 2025, the federal grand jury indicted the five individuals on multiple charges. These include conspiracy to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, with further charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana against three individuals. Additional charges against some defendants include distribution of illicit drugs and firearm possession as an illegal alien.
The indicted individuals are:
- Juan Palomino, 36, Selmer, TN
- Joaquin Elizalde, 44, Selmer, TN
- Javier Varela, 41, Byhalia, MS
- Luis Lizarraga, 36, Memphis, TN
- David Asua, 46, Memphis, TN
Joseph E. Carrico, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Nashville Field Office, said, "These defendants took part in a conspiracy that exposed our communities to significant amounts of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana."
McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck expressed pride in the investigation's outcomes and gratitude to the involved agencies, stating, "This case highlights how even small, tight-knit communities are directly impacted by the influence of drug cartels and the international drug trade."
Operation Take Back America, under which this case falls, is focused on eliminating cartels and protecting communities from violent crime. The operation involves several entities, including the Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, and Project Safe Neighborhood.
Assistant United States Attorneys Christie Hopper and Greg Allen are prosecuting this case. It was investigated by a coalition of federal and local law enforcement agencies.
It is important to note that the charges in the indictment are accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
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