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  1. #1
    Senior Member JohnDoe2's Avatar
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    Indy-to-Chicago drug trafficking organization dismantled

    I.C.E. News Release

    December 21, 2010
    Indianapolis, IN

    Indianapolis-to-Chicago drug trafficking organization dismantled

    More than $1.5 million worth of cocaine seized

    INDIANAPOLIS - The dismantling of a drug smuggling organization operating from Mexico to Chicago and Indianapolis was announced on Tuesday by U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Hogsett, Southern District of Indiana.

    What started out as an undercover buy of three grams of cocaine for $150 on July 27 culminated on Dec. 15 with the seizure of 48 kilograms (109 pounds) of cocaine with a street value of $1.5 million, and 4.4 pounds of methamphetamine with a street value of up to $80,000. This drug organization was responsible for distributing up to five pounds of methamphetamine and 10 kilograms of cocaine per month in the Indianapolis area.

    U.S. Attorney Hogsett said, "A drug bust of this significance occurs only once every couple of years."

    Eight individuals were charged in a federal indictment and 25 individuals were arrested on state charges. Also seized in the operation was 184 pounds of marijuana,18 guns, and $69,535 in U.S. currency. These charges resulted from an eight month investigation led by the Indianapolis Metro Drug Task Force, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

    The federal indictment charges the following eight individuals with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute both powder cocaine and methamphetamine:

    Gerardo Benitez-Arellano, 33, of Indianapolis and Mexico
    Agustin Lozano, 34, of Indianapolis and Mexico
    Rene Israel Ortega, 34, of Lombard, Ill., and Mexico
    Juan Carlos Torres, 35, of Indianapolis and Honduras
    Erika Vazques-Joachin, 27, of Indianapolis and Mexico
    Victor Dominguez-Ruiz, 28, of Indianapolis and Mexico
    Claudia Del Cid Paz, 25, of Indianapolis and Honduras
    Guadalupe Ivara, 30, of Crest Hill, Ill., and Mexico

    According to Assistant U. S. Attorney Josh J. Minkler, who is prosecuting the case for the government, most of the defendants, if convicted, face possible 10 year minimum mandatory prison sentences. The following law enforcement agencies provided extensive cooperation with the investigation:


    ICE's Homeland Security Investigations
    Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
    Marion County Prosecutors Office
    The Drug Enforcement Administration
    Internal Revenue Service - OIG
    Carmel, Indiana Police Department
    Hamilton County Sheriff's Office (Indiana)
    Hancock, County County Sheriff's Office (Indiana)
    City of Lawrence Police Department

    An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

    U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

    ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov . To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

    U.S. Dept of Homeland Security

    http://www.ice.gov/news/releases/1012/1 ... apolis.htm
    NO AMNESTY

    Don't reward the criminal actions of millions of illegal aliens by giving them citizenship.


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  2. #2
    Senior Member Ratbstard's Avatar
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    An ICE report that fails to mention the immigration status of those arrested?
    Join our efforts to Secure America's Borders and End Illegal Immigration by Joining ALIPAC's E-Mail Alerts network (CLICK HERE)

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