October 22, 2007  Ocala, Florida
8 people of a cocaine trafficking ring arrested as a result of an investigation

An investigation done by a multi agency drug enforcement task force has led to the arrest of four individuals in Ocala on drug trafficking charges, and the seizure of more than 36 kilograms of cocaine and over $700,000 in currency.

Also in Sumter County, four more individuals, all from California, were arrested and charged in connection with the same drug trafficking ring.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers stopped a vehicle October 19, 2007 in Sumter County as part of the investigation done by the Unified Drug Enforcement Strike Team, a multi agency task force. When troopers searched the vehicle, they found two kilograms of cocaine. Later a search of an Ocala residence turned up more cocaine, marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

On October 22, 2007 agents stopped two vehicles leaving a second home at 1245 N.W. 73rd Terrace in Ocala, suspecting the residence was part of the drug ring. In the vehicles, agents found cash wrapped in plastic. After obtaining a search warrant, agents searched the residence and found 34 kilograms of cocaine. Claudio Salas, 27 years of age, and Jose Celedon, 34 years of age, Christopher Nevarez, 19 years of age, and Elias DeLeon, 22 years of age, all from California were arrested in the Sumter County traffic stop. All four were charged with trafficking in cocaine and conspiracy to traffic in cocaine.

Angel Trujillo-Avila, 48 years of age, Alejandro Lopez-Najera, 22 years of age, Norma Alicia Rosales, 30 years of age and Melissa Charles, age undetermined were the individuals arrested in Ocala on October 22, 2007. All four were charged with violating the Florida Money Laundering Act. Trujillo and Lopez also were charged with cocaine trafficking.