Agents seize AK-47s, arrest 7 in connection with El Paso marijuana-trafficking group

By Daniel Borunda / El Paso Times
Posted: 12/06/2011 08:42:18 PM MST

Federal agents seized 10 AK-47 rifles and pistols and arrested seven men as part of an investigation into an El Paso marijuana-trafficking group.

The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the arrests on Tuesday following an investigation by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement-Homeland Security Investigations.

Officials said agents seized seven GP/WASR rifles and three Draco model pistols, about 7,500 rounds of ammunition, and 150 pounds of marijuana.

A DEA spokeswoman declined to disclose whether the seized firearms were headed to Mexico and whether the weapons were linked to any particular drug cartel, which have craved such weaponry.

An indictment, unsealed Nov. 30, stated

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that one of the men arrested, Hector Arturo Salcido Elias, 41, allegedly managed or controlled a place used to store and distribute marijuana in the 100 block of North Cotton Street in Central El Paso.

"HSI (Homeland Security Investigations) and DEA partnered to strike a hard blow to criminal network," said Dennis Ulrich, the acting agent in charge for ICE-HSI in El Paso, in a statement.

"Our agencies' joint efforts combat all facets of transnational crimes, including the smuggling of weapons into Mexico that potentially could be used by drug cartels to support their ongoing criminal enterprises," Ulrich said.

The men were indicted on drug conspiracy charges. Those arrested were Feliciano Oaxaca Alcala, 33; Ramon Roberto Flores, 30;

Jose Manuel Campa, 19; Billy Omar Ruvalcaba Madrid, 21; Eddie Escarzaga, 33; Armando Cereceres, 28; and Salcido.
All the men are from El Paso except for Salcido, who is from San Elizario.

The indictment accuses Oaxaca, Cereceres and a man identified as Ernesto Lopez of weapon possession and obliterating serial numbers charges. Daniel Borunda may be reached at dborunda@elpasotimes.com; 546-6102.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_19483348