3 arrested in drug raid might be here illegally

By Cary Snyder


csnyder@wyomingnews.com

CHEYENNE - Federal agents are working to determine whether three of the four people arrested in connection with a Nov. 21 drug raid are illegal aliens.

Cheyenne police said more than one-half pound of suspected cocaine, two handguns and an assault rifle were found during a search of a home in the 2200 block of Cheyenne Place.

Leonardo P. Sanchez, 29, who police believe was living in the home, was arrested at the scene and is being held pending drug and gun charges from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

On Friday, police announced the arrests of three more people, including Sanchez's brother.

Paulino Sanchez, 26, of Mexico will face gun charges through the U.S. Attorney's Office, Cheyenne Lt. Mark Munari said. A man identifying himself as Salvidor Campos, 25, was also detained, but he has yet to be charged with a crime, and Munari said police are not sure if that is his real name.

Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents are investigating whether Campos and the Sanchez brothers are in the country legally, Munari said.

Jordan Ivey, 26, of Cheyenne was arrested on drug charges through the Laramie County District Attorney's Office, Munari said.

He described the arrest of three potential illegal aliens as somewhat of an anomaly, saying crimes committed by illegal immigrants are not rampant in Cheyenne, at least compared to other cities.

"It's not a huge problem here in Cheyenne," he said.

The investigation is a joint effort between several local, state and federal agencies, and police said it could result in more arrests.

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