ODESSA, TX — An Odessa man is among ten individuals arrested in connection with two federal indictments targeting members of an organized crime syndicate. The U.S. Department of Justice press release reveals that the syndicate allegedly collaborated to traffic and import approximately 2,000 pounds of cocaine and other controlled substances from Mexico through Los Angeles, destined for export to Canada or redistribution throughout the U.S.
On January 30th, arrest and search warrants were executed, resulting in the apprehension of 26-year-old Humberto Luis Bermejo of Odessa and nine others from Guadalajara, Canada, and California. The operation, dubbed "Operation Dead Hand," stemmed from two federal grand jury indictments in Los Angeles earlier in the month. Unsealed on Tuesday, the indictments collectively charge 19 people for their alleged involvement in the syndicate.
Odessa Police
(Credit: Odessa Police Department FB Page)
The indictments specify drug trafficking activities involving approximately 1,860 pounds of meth, 2,092 pounds of cocaine, 44 pounds of fentanyl, and around nine pounds of heroin. Cash amounting to over $900,000 was seized, and the estimated value of the drugs ranged between $16-28 million.
The January 4th, 18-count indictment charges 10 individuals for allegedly operating from an unknown date until about March 2023. The charges encompass two drug trafficking conspiracies, conspiracy to import cocaine, drug exportation conspiracy, distribution or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, and being a felon in possession of ammunition. While the release doesn't detail Bermejo's exact role in the syndicate, he is among the individuals facing these charges.
The other individuals named in the indictment include Jesus Ruiz Sandoval Jr., 45, of Guadalajara, Mexico (currently a fugitive), John Joe Soto, 42, of Guadalajara, Eduardo Carvajal, 50, of Guadalajara, Roberto Scoppa, 55, of Montreal, Ayush Sharma, 25, of Brampton, Canada, Subham Kumar, 29, of Calgary, Canada, Carlos Barragan, 51, of Long Beach, California, Corell Carbajal Garcia, 38, of Hemet, California, and Esteban Sinhue Mercado, 24, of San Jacinto, California.
If convicted, the defendants could face sentences ranging from 40 years to life in prison.
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