The indictments released today charge Carlos Lodos-Gil, 59; Carlos Juanes, 44; Daniel Gerardo Torres, 39; Jose Betancourt, 41; Ruben Pedrera, 56; Victor Ahmmed Iglesias, 35; Jorge Lebrada, 55; and 23-year-old Ricardo Abreu with possession and conspiracy to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine from July 2008 to May 2009. Lodos-Gil has an additional charge for distribution of narcotics.
"Whenever we dismantle a drug trafficking ring, whether it is a local gang, a national distribution organization, or an international drug cartel, we not only take drugs off our streets, but also help make our community safer by reducing the level of violence that accompanies the drug trade. We are proud to join and support the DEA in the war on drugs," said U.S. Attorney Jeffrey H. Sloman.
Six men are in custody and authorities are still searching for Torres and Betancourt.
Nine nine kilograms of coke and $119,000 in cash were seized during the investigation. The group operated in Miami-Dade County area and in the New York area and were considered retail distributors.
If convicted, the men could face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison on the conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute charges.
