Ten Arrested in Drug Smuggling Investigation

AMARILLO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today announced the arrests of 10 suspects in connection with a multi-agency investigation targeting drug smuggling organizations in the Texas Panhandle.

These arrests are in addition to 19 other suspects who were arrested in 2013 and 2014 on conspiracy and drug trafficking charges in connection with the investigation that began in 2011. Over the course of the investigation, authorities seized 18 firearms, approximately $500,000 in cash, more than 37 pounds of methamphetamine and almost 25 pounds of cocaine.

DPS Criminal Investigations Division agents along with the Texas Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Amarillo Police Department, Randall County Sheriff’s Office and the Potter County Sheriff’s Office were all involved in the investigation and recent arrests after receiving indictments from the Randall County District Attorney’s Office.

Suspects arrested during the investigation and their related charges include: 

1. John Eric Perez, 27, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
2. Leslie Price, 30, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
3. Anthony Archer, 34, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
4. Lorena Mendoza, 35, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
5. Rony Romero, 30, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
6. Christina Sengthavone, 29, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
7. Jacqueline Zuniga, 36, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
8. Tushuma Espy, 23, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
9. Jason McKay, 39, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).
10. Vincent Garcia, 39, of Amarillo. Engaging in organized criminal activity (first-degree felony).