Transnational criminal organization leader detained in U.S.

HOUSTON - A 67-year-old naturalized citizen of the United States has made his appearance in Houston federal court and remains detained pending further criminal proceedings, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Ricardo Barrera was the leader of a transnational criminal organization operating from the Republic of Mexico, the Rio Grande Valley and Houston. He was recently extradited to the United States and is now in custody.

He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christina A. Bryan, at which time the court heard evidence outlining Barrera’s organization. The court determined he was a flight risk and ordered he remain in custody pending further criminal proceedings.

Barrera’s organization allegedly provided domestic transportation services for the Los Zetas Cartel and Cartel del Golfo to conceal the transportation of narcotics and currency through Mexico and into the United States.

The charges allege the organization utilized numerous cloned tractor trailers from various well-known retailers and businesses to conceal the transportation of narcotics.  

The investigation resulted in the seizure of more than 76,795 pounds of marijuana, according to the allegations.  

Barrera fled to Mexico after learning of the charges. Mexican authorities arrested him on a provisional arrest warrant in Miguel Aleman, Mexico, Oct. 23, 2021. He was extradited to the United States Oct. 10.

If convicted, Barrera faces up to life in federal prison as well as a possible $10 million fine.

Homeland Security Investigations conducted the investigation as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) with assistance from Drug Enforcement Administration, Texas Department of Public Safety, IRS Criminal Investigation, Houston Police Department, Harris County Sheriff’s Office and Pasadena Police Department as well as the U.S. Marshals Service. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with the Mexican Attorney General’s Office to secure the arrest and extradition of Barrera. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric D. Smith is prosecuting the case.

Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found on the Department of Justice’s OCDETF webpage. 

An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.