Seven Arrested in San Antonio on Federal Drug Trafficking and Money Laundering Charges

In San Antonio this morning, federal authorities arrested seven individuals indicted for their role in a heroin distribution scheme announced United States Attorney Richard L. Durbin, Jr., Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit, Houston Division, and Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Cotter, San Antonio Division.

Arrested this morning without incident include: 51-year-old Salvador Gonzalez; 38-year-old Carlos De La Cruz Perez (aka “Charlie”); 29-year-old Adrian Gonzalez; 25-year-old Hector Mario Ginez; 40-year-old Raul Sanchez (aka “Boom Boom”); 40-year-old Eneveida Margarita Ruvalcaba-Gonzalez; and, 43-year-old Jose Lopez-Grimaldo.

A federal grand jury indictment unsealed today charges the defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute more than one kilogram of heroin.  Salvador and Adrian Gonzalez are also charged with one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering.  The indictment also seeks the criminal forfeiture of 17 properties in San Antonio, Seguin and Floresville, TX, allegedly used by Salvador and Adrian Gonzalez to further their heroin trafficking scheme as well as a $7 million money judgment.

According to the indictment, since January 1998, the defendants have conspired to use their residences and businesses, namely a string of Acapulco Barber Shops, to distribute heroin and launder their drug distribution proceeds.  During this investigation, authorities have seized over 15 pounds of heroin, approximately $420,000 in U.S. Currency, 16 firearms and 11 vehicles.

“The arrests made as part of Operation Razor Cut are part of DEA’s continuing efforts to target illicit drug distribution throughout South Texas. Drug trafficking and abuse takes a tremendous toll on our communities as a whole. We will continue to work closely with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in order to enhance the quality of life for the citizens in this region,” stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Joseph M. Arabit.

“For more than 17 years, these defendants have been responsible for drug trafficking in the San Antonio area,” said William Cotter, IRS CI Special Agent in Charge, San Antonio Field Office. “And like many criminals they tried to hide their ill-gotten gains through legitimate purchases – such as businesses and homes. Fortunately for American taxpayers, IRS Criminal Investigation special agents are uniquely qualified to follow complex financial transactions and uncover the source of the illegal funds.”

All of the defendants remain in federal custody.  Upon conviction, the defendants face between ten years and life in federal prison on the drug trafficking conspiracy charge and up to 30 years in federal prison for the money laundering conspiracy charge.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely a charge and should not be considered as evidence of guilt.  The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

This case resulted from an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Internal Revenue Service–Criminal Investigation together with U.S. Customs and Border Patrol, Terrell Hills Police Department, Seguin Police Department, Bexar County Sheriff’s Office, Bexar County District Attorney’s Office and the San Antonio Police Department.  Assistant United States Attorney Joey Contreras is prosecuting this case on behalf of the Government.