Multiple Defendants Indicted in Transnational Drug Trafficking Conspiracy

Memphis, TN – Multiple defendants have been indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.

According to information presented in court, in August of 2018, during a routine traffic stop, officers in Decatur County recovered 11 pounds of methamphetamine from a driver who identified the supplier as a local Memphis man. On October 1, 2018, investigators intercepted 31 pounds of methamphetamine in possession of Jesus Vega, 33. Vega, along with the driver, Pedro Rosas-Gonzalez, 31, who transported the meth from the Chicago area were arrested.

Law enforcement identified more members of the drug trafficking organization and, on October 22, 2018, two individuals were arrested for narcotics trafficking in the Western District of Tennessee. On that morning, agents determined the location of a high-volume narcotics transaction and set up surveillance. Law enforcement observed Fatimadeniz Diaz, 36, and Steven Diaz, 26, arrive at the scene, take multiple large bags from their car, and place into another vehicle. Upon transferring the bags, the agents arrested both individuals. While searching the vehicle, DEA agents recovered 28.3 kilograms (63 pounds) of methamphetamine and 743 grams of heroin.

On October 17, 2018, Vega and Rosas-Gonzalez were indicted for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Both Fatimadeniz Diaz and Steven Diaz were indicted on November 8, 2018, for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute heroin and methamphetamine.

U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant said, "West Tennessee is a major logistics hub for the country, and drug trafficking organizations transport large quantities into and through our communities. We must use every available resource to disrupt and dismantle these conspiracies, and hold them accountable for distributing poisonous illegal drugs that cause addiction, injury, and death. We commend the outstanding investigative work of our federal law enforcement partners in this important case involving significant seizures of dangerous narcotics."

Over the course of this ongoing investigation, the DEA has recovered over 400 pounds of methamphetamine and 5 kilograms of heroin, all either in Memphis or destined for the Memphis area.

If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, and up to life imprisonment.

This case is being investigated by the DEA; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; ATF, and the U.S. Marshals Service.

Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Griffith is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government. This case is part of the Heroin Initiative in collaboration with the Shelby County District Attorney General’s Office.

The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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