– high-speed cocaine seizure
– long-tailed cocaine chase.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
EL PASO, Texas (Border Report) – Three El Paso men have been charged by a federal grand jury with conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The charges, filed on Wednesday, follow the seizure of 4.8 kilograms of cocaine after high-speed evasion attempts that led to a crash near Chito Samaniego Drive and a disabled vehicle on Gateway East Boulevard.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation began last month when Homeland Security Investigations agents received information that Alejandro Torres was allegedly in possession of more than 4 kilos of cocaine. Undercover agents contacted Torres and agreed to purchase the cocaine for $50,000. During secretly recorded conversations, Torres referred to the kilos as “mochilitas” (little backpacks).
On May 9, Torres and a driver identified as Ricardo Isael Martinez met with undercover agents in the parking lot of a hotel in the 11400 block of Chito Samaniego Drive in East El Paso. Torres informed an agent that a second vehicle would bring the cocaine to the parking lot. A white BMW 328i driven by Alan Daniel Mendoza Cardiel arrived at the location, and the agent was shown four cellophane-wrapped bundles in the trunk, identified as cocaine.
Law enforcement officials intervened by yelling “Stop!” and “Police!” as Mendoza attempted to flee the scene in the BMW. He crashed into a vehicle driven by another HSI agent and was apprehended. Meanwhile, Torres and Martinez fled in a Nissan Altima and were pursued by a Texas Department of Public Safety trooper.
High-Speed Chase
The pursuit continued onto Gateway East Boulevard, with the Nissan allegedly weaving in and out of traffic and passing vehicles on the shoulder of the road. The DPS trooper executed a PIT maneuver twice, disabling the Nissan. Torres and Martinez were taken into custody, and a loaded Glock handgun was seized from the vehicle.
Legal Proceedings
An arraignment has been scheduled for June 18 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jose A. Torres in El Paso. The three men face charges of conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat drug trafficking in the region.
For more updates and exclusive stories about issues along the U.S.-Mexico border, visit BorderReport.com.
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– kilos cocaine seized
– high-speed chases.
