El Paso members of Sureos Gang indicted, accused of conspiring to distribute meth

Local law enforcement officials revealed the results of a three-year investigation into the Sureos Gang, which originated in California and spread into El Paso.

An indictment against 25 alleged gang members, including four gang leaders, was unsealed Wednesday. The suspects allegedly conspired to distribute methamphetamine in the El Paso area.

29-year-old Carlos Dorado, a.k.a. “Chapo,” of Anthony, New Mexico; and 37-year-old Melissa Alonso, a.k.a. “Poison Ivy,” of El Paso, were each charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and two counts of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.

If convicted, Dorado faces between ten years and life in federal prison; Alonso, up to 20 years in prison.

State authorities also filed charges against 25-year-old Terry Alvarado, a.k.a. “Smokey;” and 33-year-old Mario Ramiro Rodriguez, a.k.a. “Rukus.”

Alvarado and Rodriguez are both charged with engaging in organized criminal activity and manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance. Rodriguez is currently in state custody on an unrelated charge. Alvarado is considered a fugitive.

During the operation, undercover FBI and DEA agents allegedly purchased guns and drugs from alleged gang members on 33 different occasions.

Investigators also disrupted drug smuggling attempts in which gang members were trying to smuggle 41 pounds of liquid meth into the U.S.

Officials said the gang has several hundred members in El Paso and they focused on taking down its leadership.