7Comments Investigation links Conroe man to Mexican drug trafficking
Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle
Sept. 24, 2008, 5:09PM
A six-month investigation has led to the arrest of a Conroe man who is affiliated with a Mexican drug trafficking and money laundering organization, authorities said Wednesday.

Roberto Munoz, 47, was taken into custody on Tuesday by the Montgomery County Sheriff's Special Investigative Unit after deputies served a narcotics search and arrest warrant about 3:30 p.m.

Munoz was charged with possession of marijuana, up to 50 pounds, and possession of cocaine, up to 4 grams. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities have placed a hold on Munoz while they verify his citizenship status.

He remained in the county jail late Wednesday with no bond set.

Investigators seized several items from his home in the 2400 block of Carriage Ridge Lane, including computers, 10 pounds of marijuana, 3 grams of cocaine worth $2,300 and a money counting machine. They also took items used to package and transport currency and narcotics from the house, authorities said.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration said Munoz is an associate of the Los Zetas/Gulf Coast Cartel, one of the largest, most violent drug trafficking groups in Mexico, authorities said. Its members are responsible for numerous murders, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Mexico and the United States, authorities said.

Investigators believe Munoz is involved in the money laundering part of the organization. The cartel smuggles U.S. money to Mexico. The money is related to profits that are obtained illegally from drug trafficking in the United States, authorities said.

Evidence collected during the investigation has been forwarded to the DEA, which will pursue federal charges against Munoz.

More arrests are expected, investigators said.


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