EL PASO, Texas — A coordinated law enforcement operation led to the arrest of 21 individuals suspected of being affiliated with the Chuco Tango prison gang on Thursday, August 29. The arrests took place in and around El Paso and were part of a major investigation into drug trafficking and firearms offenses, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Texas announced.
The suspects face multiple criminal charges, including trafficking fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, as well as the unlawful possession of firearms. The FBI El Paso confirmed a significant law enforcement presence early Thursday in Vinton, Texas, and labeled it a multi-agency effort aimed at targeting the Chuco Tango gang’s involvement in illegal drug trade.
Federal officials confirmed the operation was part of a larger-scale drug trafficking investigation. The following individuals were indicted on charges related to the trafficking of controlled substances and firearms possession:
Clarissa Inez Santana
Daniel Baeza (aka “Racoon”)
Hector Chamorro
Angel Renee Corral (aka “Happy”)
Antonio “Omar” Gamboa
Robert Gurrola (aka “Bobby Barker,” “Bobby Baker”)
Ricardo Moreno
Andrew Solorio (aka “Tokes”)
Adam Vazquez
Brandon Garcia
Jacqueline Perez
Aileen Gonzalez
Byanka Sambrano
Thomas Payan
Steven Kuehn
Cassandra Page Silva
Tanya Campechano
Alejandro Morrill
Zoilo Romero
Alexander Rangel
Zulema Marin
The suspects are facing federal charges such as conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, and possession of firearms by a felon. Federal prosecutors will decide on sentencing based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
Following the operation, authorities revealed that four fugitives remained at large, including Carlos Flores, Jessica Rodarte, Jonathan Blanco, and Adriel Belmont. However, as of Thursday evening, Rodarte was captured, according to the DEA.
The investigation is ongoing, and further developments are expected in the coming weeks.
