COLUMBUS, Ga. — A multi-month federal investigation has led to the arrest of two men accused of operating human and drug trafficking operations in Columbus, according to local and federal authorities.
Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno, 53, and Brandon Reyes-Escano, 23, were arrested on Jan. 22 on charges related to human trafficking and drug trafficking. The investigation was conducted in collaboration with federal partners, including the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Following the arrests, law enforcement officers executed search warrants at two residences on Lacey Oak Court and Clay Drive. Authorities say evidence recovered from both locations linked the homes to ongoing human trafficking and drug trafficking activity.
Columbus Police Assistant Chief Lance Deaton said investigators believe the suspects have connections to a Mexican cartel and emphasized that the case remains active.
“These individuals have connections to a Mexican cartel, which presents a real risk,” Deaton said. “This investigation is ongoing, and we believe there may be additional victims identified before it concludes.”
Deaton added that more arrests are possible and described the case as an example of effective cooperation between local and federal agencies.
“This is a roadmap for how local and federal partnerships can work together to get the job done and make a positive impact on the community,” he said.
Dr. Brett Murphy-Dawson with Micah’s Promise, a nonprofit organization focused on combating the commercial sexual exploitation of children, highlighted the importance of community awareness and training to identify trafficking situations.
“Everyone has the potential to be a first responder,” Murphy-Dawson said. “Whether you’re a bus driver, truck driver, educator, or law enforcement officer, recognizing the signs and speaking up can make a difference.”
Murphy-Dawson warned that children are particularly vulnerable to trafficking, especially through online platforms. She encouraged parents to actively monitor their children’s phone use and consider devices with enhanced parental controls, such as BARK phones, for younger children.
She also emphasized the importance of ongoing conversations with children about online safety, recommending age-appropriate educational tools like the Good Pictures Bad Pictures book series to help parents discuss sensitive topics in a way children can understand.
