MARTINSBURG, W.Va. (WVPREPBB) – Federal authorities have successfully dismantled two drug trafficking organizations operating in West Virginia, one of which had connections to the notorious Sinaloa Drug Cartel, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of West Virginia (USAO) announced on Tuesday. The crackdown follows a grand jury’s return of 25 indictments against individuals involved in these operations.
The Sinaloa Drug Cartel, known for its global drug distribution network, is linked to a local operation based out of an autobody shop in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Drugs were reportedly being transported from Puerto Rico through the U.S. Postal Service, as well as from sources affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel.
Among those indicted are:
- Saul Alexi Padilla-Garcia, 34, of Shepherdstown
- Juan Carlos Suarez-Lugo, 55, of Martinsburg
- Victor Jose Canales, 45, with an unknown hometown
- Alexis Alvarado, 37, of Ranson
- Mauricio Antonio Alvarado-Flores, 37, with an unknown hometown
- Olvin Luis-Melendez Robles, age unknown, of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
- Mario Pellot-Acevedo, 58, of Martinsburg
- Eddi Heredia Cruz, 27, of Shepherdstown
- Jose Alberto Camarena Rocha, 30, of California
- Manuel Sanchez Gomez, 37, of California
- Angel Lopez, 43, of Fresno, California
- Sergio Rubio Pacheco, 33, of Fresno, California
- Moises Marrero, 39, of Ranson
- James Reyes, 54, of Martinsburg
- David Reyes, 60, with an unknown hometown
- Charles Edward Branson, 53, of Martinsburg
- Danny William Mendez Delacruz, 41, of Martinsburg
- Yan Lionel Diaz-Cruz, 27, of Ranson
Fifteen of the indicted individuals were apprehended on Tuesday, while law enforcement continues to search for Gomez, Melendez-Robles, and Diaz-Cruz.
In a separate case, seven individuals are facing charges following the seizure of nearly 40,000 fentanyl pills and 12 firearms in Berkeley County. The accused in this case include:
- Delano Alan Butler, 43, of Martinsburg
- Faith Elizabeth Small, 22, of Hagerstown, Maryland
- Jwan Martine Smith, 38, of Martinsburg
- Geraldine Lagata Hill, 43, of Stephens, Virginia
- Cody Aaron Ashby, 32, of Martinsburg
- Crystal Lyn Lewis, 34, of Martinsburg
- Matthew James Elsea, 42, of Martinsburg
Smith remains at large, but all other defendants have been taken into custody.
These cases represent a significant effort by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, with investigations spanning from California to Virginia.
Rubby Cordelia is a finance journalist for WVPrepBB.com, bringing expertise and clarity to her reporting on financial news. With a passion for demystifying complex economic issues, Rubby delivers insightful analysis and up-to-date information on the latest market trends, financial policies, and economic developments. Her work on WVPrepBB.com is essential reading for anyone looking to stay informed about the ever-changing world of finance.
