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Meth traffickers busted in Caldwell County
11/17/2006 3:23 PM
By: News 8 Austin Staff

Nearly a dozen people were arrested, accused of being part of a drug ring in Caldwell County.

The group was bringing methamphetamine from Mexico to Austin for 2½ years, investigators said.

The ring was led by Noe Perez, investigators said.

"His group, organization was very prolific. Various arrests over the past few years didn't seem to slow him down. So, in our minds, it's going to have a significant impact,” DEA group supervisor Jack Schumacher said.

Perez also was linked to an illegal cockfighting ring broken up on Wednesday.

Methamphetamine sell for about $15,000 a pound, police said. They estimated the group had brought more than 600 pounds to Austin.

Police seized three SUVs and various tools police said were stolen.

Members of the group will face charges of distribution or conspiracy to distribute illegal substances, which is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.