Edgar Meraz-Salas Press Release (Indictment)

October 22, 2009
For Immediate Release

ELEVEN CHARGED & ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA

St. Louis, MO: Eleven people were arrested today on charges stemming from a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine throughout the St. Louis area, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Harry S. Sommers announced today.

These indictments are part of “Project Coronado,” a two-day nationwide take down announced earlier today by the Department of Justice.

The conspiracy encompassed distribution of more than five kilos of cocaine. Included in the indictment is the Chicago source of supply for the organization Edgar Meraz-Salas. The indictment alleges that the other defendants distributed cocaine into the St. Louis metropolitan area.

" individuals arrested in this operation are part of a drug trafficking network that funneled narcotics onto the streets of St. Louis, encouraging more crime and violence in our community. These arrests demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the elimination of criminal enterprises through cooperative law enforcement efforts," said Sommers.

Individuals indicted:

EDGAR MERAZ-SALAS, Mexican National residing in Chicago, IL
WLFRADO NAVARRETE-HERNANDEZ, Mexican National residing in St. Ann, MO
MARIA VALAZQUEZ, Mexican National residing in St. Ann, MO
REYNALDO REYES-FUENTES, a/k/a Miguel Becerril, Mexican National residing in Bridgeton, MO;
EDUARDO OLIVAS-CONTRERAS, a/k/a Walo, Mexican National residing in Bridgeton, MO
ELIAS INIGUES, a/k/a Elias Deniz, St. Charles, MO
OMAR FIGUEROA SOLIS, a/k/a Omar Armondo Cervantis and Omar Cervantes-Valde, Mexican National residing in Hazelwood, MO
SHAUN GLENWOOD MACK, a/k/a Gary Dale, St. Louis, MO
ANTHONY LIONEL RUIZ, Hazelwood, MO
NICHOLAS DONALD TIEMAN, St. Charles, MO
CURTIS WAYNE SMITH, Vandalia, IL

If convicted, conspiracy to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine carries a penalty range of 10 years to life in prison and/or fines up to $4 million.

The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

INDICTMENT

UNITED STATES ATTORNEY'S OFFICE EASTERN DISTRICT OF MISSOURI MICHAEL W. REAP Acting United States Attorney	NEWS RELEASE
For further information call (314) 539-2200
October 22, 2009 For Immediate Release ELEVEN CHARGED & ARRESTED ON DRUG CHARGES IN THE ST. LOUIS AREA St. Louis, MO: Eleven people were arrested today on charges stemming from a drug trafficking conspiracy to distribute large amounts of cocaine throughout the St. Louis area, Acting United States Attorney Michael W. Reap, and DEA Special Agent in Charge Harry S. Sommers announced today. These indictments are part of “Project Coronado,” a two-day nationwide take down announced earlier today by the Department of Justice. The conspiracy encompassed distribution of more than five kilos of cocaine. Included in the indictment is the Chicago source of supply for the organization Edgar Meraz-Salas. The indictment alleges that the other defendants distributed cocaine into the St. Louis metropolitan area. " individuals arrested in this operation are part of a drug trafficking network that funneled narcotics onto the streets of St. Louis, encouraging more crime and violence in our community. These arrests demonstrate our unwavering commitment to the elimination of criminal enterprises through cooperative law enforcement efforts," said Sommers. Individuals indicted: EDGAR MERAZ-SALAS, Mexican National residing in Chicago, IL WLFRADO NAVARRETE-HERNANDEZ, Mexican National residing in St. Ann, MO MARIA VALAZQUEZ, Mexican National residing in St. Ann, MO REYNALDO REYES-FUENTES, a/k/a Miguel Becerril, Mexican National residing in Bridgeton, MO; EDUARDO OLIVAS-CONTRERAS, a/k/a Walo, Mexican National residing in Bridgeton, MO ELIAS INIGUES, a/k/a Elias Deniz, St. Charles, MO OMAR FIGUEROA SOLIS, a/k/a Omar Armondo Cervantis and Omar Cervantes-Valde, Mexican National residing in Hazelwood, MO SHAUN GLENWOOD MACK, a/k/a Gary Dale, St. Louis, MO ANTHONY LIONEL RUIZ, Hazelwood, MO NICHOLAS DONALD TIEMAN, St. Charles, MO CURTIS WAYNE SMITH, Vandalia, IL If convicted, conspiracy to distribute in excess of five kilograms of cocaine carries a penalty range of 10 years to life in prison and/or fines up to $4 million. The charges set forth in an indictment are merely accusations, and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. INDICTMENT