Several Arrested In Large Scale Methamphetamine Conspiracy

HOUSTON – An extensive methamphetamine trafficking organization has been dealt a large blow with the indictment of eight individuals on federal drug conspiracy charges, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today. The indictment, returned under seal June 5, 2013, arose as a result of a two-year investigation culminating in arrests this morning.

“The illegal distribution of methamphetamine especially in the quantities involved in this case receive the fullest attention of the investigative efforts of our joint federal, state and local law enforcement partners.” said Magidson. “It will always be a priority to prosecute major drug trafficking within the Southern District of Texas.”

Among those arrested was Edmundo Reyes aka “Mundo” or “Bossman,” a 34-year-old from Spring who is facing six counts of drug possession and conspiracy. Four others were also taken into custody today - Gerardo Garcia, 34, Delfino Maldonado, 30, Christopher Mejia, 22, and Alexander Reyes, 30, all of Houston. These five made their initial appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge George Hanks just a short time ago, at which time the indictment was unsealed by order of the court.

Charged and previously in custody are Jeremy Perkins, 32, of Louisiana, and Refugio Ibarra, 26, of Mexico. They are expected to be transferred into federal custody to make their initial appearances in the near future.

An eighth defendant, Salvador Izaguirre, 31, of Houston, is also charged but not as yet in custody. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to contact the U.S. Marshals Service at 713-718-4800.

The seven-count indictment alleges the eight men conspired with one another and others known and unknown from February 2009 through June 2013 to distribute methamphetamine. Reyes is charged in five additional substantive drug trafficking counts. Each of the remaining defendants is also charged in at least one additional substantive count of possessing with intent to distribute various quantities of methamphetamine.

In addition to the arrests today, agents and task force officers executed search warrants at four separate residences, which resulted in the seizure of eight vehicles, more than $30,000, approximately nine ounces of methamphetamine and multiple firearms. The seizures occurred pursuant to forfeiture warrants authorizing the recovery of property alleged to have been purchased with the proceeds of illegal narcotics sales.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, all defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life imprisonment as well as a $10 million fine. All substantive counts carry an equal or lesser possible sentence depending upon the amount of drugs involved.

The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety Narcotics Division, Houston Police Department and the USMS. Assistant United States Attorneys Mark E. Donnelly and Tim S. Braley are prosecuting.