The relentless efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, have put a major supplier of heroin to the San Juan metro area out of business,” said Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, U.S. “This indictment and the arrests this morning are a significant victory in our efforts to combat drug trafficking and violent crime. We have an important mission: to protect the lives of citizens of Puerto Rico, and to keep our communities safe.” Today, the work and sacrifice of our agents and support personnel demonstrate once again that DEA does not rest: we will continue to disrupt and dismantle these organizations involved in the drug trade in Puerto Rico, the Caribbean and worldwide. Collazo stated: “For the last four years the DEA Caribbean Division has been investigating this drug trafficking organization which has been responsible for distributing and trafficking in heroin, cocaine, marijuana and opioids-prescription drugs. If those rules were broken, the leader or high-level members of the organization would use force, violence, and intimidation against the offenders in an effort to maintain order within Figueroa Ward.ĭEA Caribbean Division Special Agent in Charge, A.J. Members of the organization were under the rules dictated by the leaders regarding the location from where controlled substances could be sold, and how conflicts between members of the drug trafficking organization were to be handled. “Blanca Street” is also known as “la pista” (the strip).Īs part of the conspiracy, armed conspirators provided security to the drug point. The customers would enter “Blanca Street” in their vehicles or taxis and purchase the narcotics without ever having to leave the car, much like a “drive-thru”. All of the defendants are facing a narcotics forfeiture allegation of $25 million.Īccording to the indictment, the main drug point was located on “Blanca Street” within the Figueroa Ward. Thirty-one of the defendants are facing one charge of possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking crime. The 97 defendants acted in different roles: leaders, drug point owners, runners, suppliers, enforcers, drug processors, sellers, and facilitators. The indictment alleges that beginning in or about 2014 these individuals distributed heroin, cocaine, marijuana, Oxycodone (commonly known as Percocet), and Alprazolam (commonly known as Xanax) all within 1,000 feet of the real property comprising a playground in the Figueroa Ward, commonly known as “La Colectora,” in the municipality of San Juan, all for significant financial gain and profit. The DEA and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), San Juan Strike Force Unit are in charge of the investigation, which is part of the US Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative. San Juan, PR – On Ja federal grand jury in the District of Puerto Rico returned an indictment against 97 defendants charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances in the municipality of San Juan, announced Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
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