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Drug investigation nets former deputy, 12 other Valley residents
October 29, 2008 - 12:15PM
Jeremy Roebuck

Federal agents seized $22 million and arrested at least 13 Valley residents as part of a nationwide drug smuggling investigation, authorities announced Wednesday.

Dubbed "Operation Pay Cut," the two-year investigation targeted the finances of drug smuggling organizations operating between Atlanta and cities such as McAllen, Brownsville and Mission.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Internal Revenue Service and other federal agencies outlined their case in three separate indictments unsealed Wednesday in federal court in Atlanta.

"Seizures such as this strike at the heart of the criminal organization by targeting the financial gain that enables their criminal enterprise to flourish," said Kenneth Smith, special agent in charge of ICE's Atlanta office. "

Among those arrested locally is Emmanuel Sanchez, a former Hidalgo County sheriff's deputy, who was stopped by Georgia State Police outside Atlanta in 2006 and found to be carrying almost $1 million hidden in the doors of his truck.

Sanchez, 48, of Mission, allegedly flashed his badge in an attempt to avert further investigation, authorities there said at the time. But he immediately resigned his position in Hidalgo County after being released.

Federal agents aided by local SWAT teams raided his house early Tuesday morning, authorities said.

Agents also detained a Mercedes father and son duo that were found driving $13 million in alleged drug proceeds in a livestock truck outside of the Valley.

Officers located a complex pulley system in the vehicle driven by Jesus Flores Sr. and his son, Jesus Jr., hidden below the cattle cargo.

In all, 41 people from across the country were indicted in the Atlanta indictments and agents seized 223 kilograms of cocaine and more than 16,000 pounds of marijuana.

Federal prosecutors have also initiated forfeiture proceedings against several homes and businesses, including a two Valley auto sales and auto parts businesses believed to have been money laundering fronts.

Jeremy Roebuck covers courts and general assignments for The Monitor. You can reach him at (956) 683-4437.