Public tips help in arrest of longtime fugitive

By Angelica Martinez, Union-Tribune Staff Writer
8:15 p.m. June 12, 2009

SAN DIEGO — Tips from the public helped lead to the arrest of a federal fugitive long wanted for narcotics violations, and assistance is needed to help capture another elusive fugitive, the FBI said Friday.

Victor Gonzales Robles, 38, a Mexican national, was arrested about 10:30 a.m. Wednesday near a Chula Vista shopping mall, police said. He was wanted on a 2001 federal arrest warrant charging him with conspiracy to distribute more than 600 grams of crack cocaine.

The warrant stems from a 2000-2001 investigation of a ring suspected of distributing cocaine in San Diego – including to members and associates of two street gangs, the FBI said.

Gonzalez made five sales of crack cocaine to an undercover federal agent in 2001, officials said.

His capture was a result of information from the public and help from San Diego police and the county Sheriff's Department, authorities said.

The Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group said it still needs information from the public to help locate Carlos Rodriguez, 31, who is wanted on drug-trafficking charges that date from 2000 to 2002.

Authorities said that Rodriguez supplied narcotics to San Diego gang members and shipped narcotics via interstates. The gang members are believed to be responsible for illegal drug trafficking throughout the country, as well as assaults, robberies, prostitution and vehicle thefts, officials said.

Rodriguez was indicted by a federal grand jury for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. A federal warrant for his arrest was issued in 2002.
Anyone with information concerning Rodriguez's location can call the FBI at (858) 565-1255.

Angelica Martinez: (619) 293-1317;

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