In October of 2016, the CCPD Narcotics Vice Investigations Division initiated a long term undercover operation targeting street level synthetic cannabinoid dealers, primarily focusing on dealers in the downtown area surrounding City Hall.
NVID recognized that synthetic cannabinoid abusers were causing serious quality of life issues with business owners and residents of this neighborhood. Approximately 50% of all drug related arrests and drug seizures by CCPD in 2016 were synthetic cannabinoid related.
The goals of this operation were to:
- identify dealers
- conduct undercover narcotics buys from dealers
- Identify locations where being sold and follow up with search warrants.
- Obtain arrest warrants for suspects dealing.
The operation consisted of weekly joint operations between NVID and the Operations Division Crime Reduction Unit.
- NVID undercover officers were assisted by Operations Division Crime Reduction Unit
- Bikes
- Enduros
- Downtown “Gator Units”
- Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) were very familiar with most suspects
- Contacted them on a daily basis.
The Operation, dubbed “Operation Stick Man” culminated today when over 30 over Officers from NVID, CRU, Gang, US Marshal’s Task Force set out to arrest 24 suspects who had sold synthetic cannabinoid to undercover officers.
24 Arrest Warrants
- 27 delivery cases
- 2 gang members among suspects
- Bonds totaling over $1.5 million
Today’s rounded up netted the following 16 arrests (4 were already in jail on other charges):
Offenders Bond
Steven Ramos 12/19/1982 Jail
Dwain Tichey 10/27/1965 $80,000
Mark Chabera 3/03/1995 $80,000
Jared Brannon 8/09/1983 Jail
Victor Flores 1/03/1994 Jail
Derrick Rexroat 10/10/1974 $80,000
Maydalis Santiago7/8/1995 $80,000
Vanessa Abrego 9/3/92 $100,000
Dorina Gallegos 9/11/1978 $100,000
Antonio Romero 12/02/1993 $100,000
Joshua Craney 12/12/1983 $100,000
Christopher Furr 12/7/1983 Jail
Avery Smith 11/25/1982 $80,000
Israel Maldonado 11/15/1988 $10,000
Juan Garcia 5/01/1968 $10,000
Daniel Bravo 9/27/1992 $100,000
All suspects were charged with Felony Manufacture and delivery of controlled substance in Penalty Group 2A, with penalties ranging from 2 to 99 years in prison. Corpus Christi Police Officers will continue to search for the remaining eight suspects. Great job by everyone involved.
CCPD Blotter 