November 24, 2004  Smithfield, North Carolina
10 kilos, cash and other drugs seized from Mexican drug traffickers, 3 search warrants served and several hidden vehicle compartments found

Early Wednesday morning, narcotics agents and deputies from the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, assisted by the SBI, Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement, and Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents, executed three (3) search warrants relating to a well-defined Mexican national drug trafficking organization in Johnston County.

"This intense investigation has been extremely time consuming and has involved extensive surveillance operations and numerous man hours over the past six months," said Sheriff Bizzell. "I proudly report the success of this operation where individuals involved in a large scale cocaine and marijuana distribution ring were arrested today."

Today's series of events began with an undercover drug buy on the streets of Selma that led to the first search warrant that was executed on Clearwater Drive in Wilsons Mills. During the search of this residence, approximately 10 kilos (22 lbs) of powder cocaine, multiple pounds of marijuana, several thousand dollars in US currency, drug paraphernalia, four (4) handguns and a rifle were seized.

A second search warrant was conducted on Highway 39 in the Corbett Hatcher community. Seized at this residence was drug paraphernalia and ledgers and documents related to this illegal drug operation.

The final search warrant of the day was conducted on Garner Road outside of the Micro community. Seized was approximately 100 lbs. of marijuana that was commercially compressed, packaged and wrapped for distribution in Johnston County. Also seized were drug paraphernalia and other documentation confirming the organization's structure and other active participants.

Also seized was a 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 4X4 pick up, a 1999 Chevrolet Silverado pick up, and a 1999 Ford Windstar minivan, with two hidden compartments for the concealment and transportation of illicit controlled substances.

Manuel Pedro Hernandez 54 years old, Ruben Adiran Ruelas Collins 42 years old, Antonio Hernandez Lopez 19 years old, Teresa Lopez Dominquez 53 years old, Diana Gilela Sandoval-Sanchez 17 years old and David Sanchez 22 years old were arrested. Manuel Hernandez and Ruelas-Collins were charged federally.

    
   
Source: Johnston County Sheriff's Office