A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has indicted 25 members of a violent gang based in Mayagüez on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The indictment was announced by United States Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow.
The gang is accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, including heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana, within close proximity to public housing projects in Mayagüez. The indictment covers offenses from April 2021 to the present, and alleges the gang engaged in acts of violence to maintain control over drug trafficking in the area.
U.S. Attorney Muldrow stated, “The prosecution of this drug trafficking gang demonstrates our determined efforts to protect our communities from the violent crime and gun violence they bring to our streets.” He emphasized the continued collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office, highlighted the disruption of a criminal network. “Today, we sent a clear message: violence, drugs, and organized crime will find no safe haven in Puerto Rico,” he said.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the Puerto Rico Police Bureau Mayagüez Strike Force, with assistance from multiple federal and local agencies. During the arrests, various specialized response teams were involved.
The indictment describes the gang's use of force and intimidation to dominate drug activities and protect their territory, with members taking on roles such as leaders, enforcers, and sellers. Meetings were allegedly held to strategize and plan criminal activities, with some parties participating via phone while incarcerated.
Additionally, 15 defendants face charges related to firearms possession in furtherance of drug trafficking, with seven also charged with possessing machine guns for such activities.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Alberto López-Rocafort and others will prosecute the case. The charges carry severe penalties, including minimum sentences of 10 years for drug offenses and up to life in prison, with additional penalties for firearms offenses. The defendants also face a narcotics forfeiture allegation of nearly $20 million.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at dismantling transnational criminal organizations and protecting communities from violent crime.
The indicted individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.