HOUSTON — Federal authorities have arrested 23 individuals connected to a large-scale drug trafficking and money laundering operation that spanned the Houston/Galveston area and the Rio Grande Valley, according to U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.
The arrests followed extensive investigations under three federal efforts: Operations Red Ranger, Borrowed Time, and Resurrection.
Authorities seized over 170 kilos of cocaine and heroin, 2,000 kilos of methamphetamine, nearly $3 million in cash, more than 100 firearms, and four properties valued at $1.2 million.
Some suspects, including truck drivers, allegedly transported drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. One shipment reportedly involved 10 kilos of cocaine sent to Georgia, with drivers paid from drug proceeds.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America,” said Ganjei, citing the Department of Justice’s national initiative targeting cartels, organized crime, and violent offenders.
Those arrested have started appearing in federal court before U.S. Magistrate Judges Christina Bryan (Houston), Andrew Edison (Galveston), and Nadia Medrano (McAllen). Several suspects remain in state custody and are expected to be transferred to federal court.
If convicted, those facing drug trafficking charges could receive up to life in prison and multi-million-dollar fines. Money laundering carries up to 20 years, and firearms charges up to 15 years in prison.
The multi-agency investigation was led by the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and ATF, with assistance from multiple sheriff’s offices (Fort Bend, Galveston, Chambers, Hidalgo, Harris, Kleberg) and police departments in Houston, Katy, and Galveston.
