I.C.E. News Release

March 16, 2012
Raleigh, NC

Drug dealer sentenced for role in conspiracy

RALEIGH, N.C. — A North Carolina man was sentenced Wednesday to more than eight years in federal prison for his role in a cocaine trafficking conspiracy following an investigation led by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Juan Rodriguez-Lopez, 30, of Siler City, N.C., was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2010 for conspiring to possess and distribute cocaine in various locations in North Carolina.

The investigation revealed that Rodriguez and a co-conspirator were arrested June 18, 2010, by Raleigh police officers for their role in a four-kilogram cocaine deal. At that time, officers seized a kilogram of cocaine and two firearms from the pair. Further investigation revealed that Rodriguez would deliver cocaine from various locations in the eastern and middle district of North Carolina to drug dealers in those districts. The investigation also revealed that Rodriguez was responsible for delivering a minimum of 100 kilograms of cocaine to various drug dealers in the state since August 2009.

Investigation of this case was conducted by HSI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Raleigh Police Department.

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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423 or complete our tip form.

U.S. Dept of Homeland Security

Drug dealer sentenced for role in conspiracy