Ring ran between Arizona, Nevada, and Illinois
Cocaine found hidden in Coke machine
Contributed Article
TUCSON – Special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), aided by investigators from the Chicago field offices of the FBI and the local police department , U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Pima County Sherriff’s Department arrested nine suspects last week as authorities moved to dismantle a Tucson-based drug trafficking ring suspected of smuggling significant quantities of narcotics including cocaine.
The July 10 arrests are the latest developments in a nearly three-year investigation that resulted in a multicount indictment issued June 28, by a federal grand jury in the District of Arizona. The defendants face a myriad of charges including, money laundering; possessing, manufacturing, and selling illegal drugs; and identity theft.
Contributed Photo/Courtesy HSI: Packages of cocaine were found hidden in this Coke machine as part of the bust.
Among the Tucson residents taken into custody Monday was the organization’s alleged ringleader, Rene Marcos Vera, 44. Also arrested were Raquel Ann Stansberry, 35; Cesar Diaz German, 50; Rosella Maria DeLeon, 58; Richard Andrew Leon, 38; Rene Marcos Vera II, 22. Tawney Waner, 31, a resident of Las Vegas and Joseph Sorce, 41, were both arrested in Chicago.
“The accused ran a large interstate drug trafficking organization that flooded our streets with drugs. HSI and its law enforcement partners will stop at nothing to ensure they face justice,” said Scott Brown, special agent in charge for HSI Phoenix. “We remain committed to ensuring the safety and security of our communities.”
To date, the probe has resulted in a total of nine arrests, along with the seizure of more than 85 pounds of cocaine, 17 vehicles, eight properties estimated to be worth over $2.5 million, four bank accounts, and more than $145,500 in U.S. currency.
Contributed Photo/Courtesy HSI: Ironically, the cocaine was located in this Coke machine, which originally had trace amounts of the drug in it when first manufactured.
This case is part of the ongoing efforts of the HSI Tucson Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST).
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
Due to the nature of the alleged crimes committed, the defendants face significant prison time. This case is being prosecuted by U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona.
HSI encourages the public to report any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1- 866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
