Federal agents arrest seven on federal drug trafficking and weapons charges
Federal authorities tell ABC-7 federal agents arrested seven people in connection with a drug trafficking operation in the Lower Valley.
The arrests are connected to the June 22, 2016 raids on at least four locations in Socorro and San Elizario. Federal, state and local authorities executed multiple search warrants as part of this investigation where they recovered a total of one kilogram of cocaine, 26 firearms and approximately $63,000 in U.S. Currency.
Those arrested Wednesday were identified as:
Manuel Almanzar, 44, of San Elizario, Texas
Oralia Almanzar, 43, of San Elizario
Adrian “Nanis” Garcia, 45, of Socorro, Texas
Jesus Manuel “Chumel” Garcia, 42, of Clint, Texas
Baudelio “Barbie” Marmolejo, 39, of Socorro
Ofelia Marmolejo, 68, of Socorro
Noel “Tata” Salcido, 25, of San Elizario.
Luis Armando Baylon, 35, turned himself in to authorities on June 28, 2016. Baylon is currently out on a $20,000 bond. He is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute cocaine and one count of possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment alleges that from August 2014 to June 2016, the defendants conspired to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine. On June 22, 2016, Baylon was allegedly in possession of a dozen firearms in “furtherance of the cocaine distribution conspiracy.”
Federal prosecutors are seeking the criminal forfeiture of Marmolejo’s residence in the 11000 block of Philip Dr. in Socorro, Texas. The residence was allegedly used to promote the drug distribution operation.
Upon conviction of the drug conspiracy charge, the defendants face between five and 40 years in federal prison. Baylon faces between five years and life in federal prison upon conviction of the firearms charge. Marmolejo faces up to 20 years in federal prison on the maintaining a residence charge.
The seven suspects arrested Wednesday remain in federal custody and are scheduled to have their initial appearances Thursday afternoon at 2:30 in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Miguel A. Torres.
Detention hearings are scheduled for next week.
