MULTI AGENCY OPERATION SHUTS DOWN LOCAL DRUG TRAFFICKER

A combined narcotics investigation involving agents from the DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Corpus Christi Police Department Narcotics/Vice Investigations Division resulted in the disruption of a south side drug trafficking operation early Friday.  At approximately 8:00 am, investigators from all three agencies served a search warrant on a residence in the 4900 block of Monitor Street.  During the search, officers found and seized approximately 30 pounds of marijuana, a small quantity of methamphetamine, three handguns, a rifle, a shotgun, and over six-hundred dollars in cash.  One of the firearms was discovered to be stolen, and a second had the serial number obliterated. The suspect, a 53-year-old man, was transported to a local hospital after he complained of chest pains.  He is facing felony charges for manufacture and delivery of marijuana, along with possible felony charges for possession of a stolen firearm and tampering with serial numbers. Today’s bust is yet another prime example of the cooperative efforts between the CCPD and Federal Agencies to combat drug trafficking in our community.

NARCOTICS/VICE OFFICERS KNOCK DOWN ANOTHER SYNTHETIC DEALER ON CITY’S WEST SIDE

CCPD Narcotics/Vice Investigators shut down another synthetic cannabis dealer Thursday morning on the near west side.  At approximately 9:00 am, NVID Officers, assisted by the CCPD Bike Patrol, served a search and arrest warrant at a residence on the 1000 block of Eighteenth Street.   During the search, officers found and seized approximately one half ounce of synthetic cannabis product, 10 grams of THC “wax”, packaging materials, surveillance equipment, and over $27,000 in cash.  Arrested were Ramon Lopez (DOB:7-1-1995) and Emily Marines (DOB:10-17-1994).  Both were charged under the Texas Health and Safety Code with manufacture or delivery of a controlled substance in penalty group 2, a first-degree felony punishable by up to 99 years in prison.

The home was located near where several serious synthetic cannabis related overdoses had been reported in recent weeks.  NVID Investigators initially suspected that the residence may have been the source of the tainted product and stepped up their efforts to shut it down. The search warrant on Thursday was the culmination of that investigation.  “Although we have not established a direct link between this residence and the overdoses, based upon the amount of traffic at the residence, the packaging materials, and the amount of cash seized, we believe it was a significant source of synthetic cannabis in that area,” said NVID Commander Todd Green. “Once this residence came up on our radar, NVID Investigators worked very quickly along with our Patrol Division Officers to shut this operation down. I’m very proud of their efforts and teamwork.”

Sometimes referred to as “legal” or “Kush”, synthetic cannabis can cause serious, sometimes fatal, reactions in users.   The drug is frequently abused by the homeless population, contributing to numerous quality of life issues including public intoxication, thefts, and panhandling, as well as more serious crimes such as prostitution, assaults, and robberies.  Synthetic cannabis accounted for approximately 43% of all misdemeanor drug arrests by Corpus Christi Police Officers in 2016.  Thus far this year, perhaps due to an increased emphasis on targeting the dealers, the percentage has dropped to 36 %.

Narcotics Search Warrant

Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2017 9:45 AM
Location:  1000 Block of Burr
Offense:  Possession of Marijuana (SJF)
Case Number:  1705100050

Narcotic Investigators executed a search warrant on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at 9:45 am in the 1000 block of Burr.  The warrant  was the result of several months of investigation into a marijuana grow operation believed to be located inside the residence.  Once inside the house, Investigators located a sophisticated grow operation consisting of two grow rooms and a drying room. There were 85 plants located during the search, in various stages of growth. The rooms were well equipped with grow lamps and a sophisticated ventilation system.  All grow evidence was seized as well as the marijuana plants.  Two 12-gauge shotguns were also recovered in the residence.  

Marc Wynder-Miller 06/07/83 was charged with felony possession of marijuana.

Bomb Callout at 1200 Seventh Street

On 3-14-17, CCPD Narcotics/Vice Investigators developed information regarding two bombs reportedly located in a home in the 1200 block of Seventh St. NVID Investigators and Homeland Security Investigators (HSI) contacted the residents at the home and confirmed the presence of two potential bombs in the trunk of a car parked in the driveway. The Corpus Christi Police Bomb Squad and Special Agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) responded to the scene. ATF and the bomb squad were able to safely neutralize the devices. In addition, ATF determined that they appear to be functional explosive devices, pending lab analysis. This is a joint investigation between CCPD, ATF, and HSI.

Anyone having information about this case should contact the Narcotics Vice Investigations Division at 361-826-8300, Crime Stoppers at 888-TIPS, or ATF at 1-800-ATF-FIRE. All calls will be kept confidential. Individuals can also submit information through the mobile ReportIt® app, available both on Google Play and the Apple App Store. All individuals providing tips can remain anonymous.

All media inquires need to contact ATF Resident Agent in Charge Rick Miller 361-533-3823.

NARCOTICS/VICE OFFICERS DISRUPT GAMBLING OPERATION ON SOUTH SIDE

CCPD Narcotics/Vice Investigators shut down a significant gambling operation on Corpus Christi’s south side Wednesday evening. At approximately 9:00 pm, March 8, 2017, NVID Investigators served an evidentiary search warrant at a residence in the 5400 block of Sugar Creek Drive.  The search warrant was the culmination of an extensive long term investigation into illegal gambling at the residence involving “eight liner” slot machines.

During the course of the investigation, investigators gathered evidence that indicated that the operator and employees of the operation were paying out sizeable cash rewards to customers who played the machines, in violation of Texas gambling statutes.   Although the operator had taken significant precautions to disguise the illegal operation, which was being run from a home in a quiet residential neighborhood, NVID investigators were able to obtain enough evidence to obtain the evidentiary search warrant; the search warrant allowed investigators to search for and seize gambling equipment, ledgers, cash and other proceeds of illegal gambling activity.  Inside the residence, officers discovered and seized over 31 of the machines, along with over $5000 in cash. Sang Kim (6-6-75) was arrested and charged with Keeping a Gambling Place and Engaging in Organized Crime. Diana S. Griffith (11-2-70) was arrested and charged with Keeping a Gambling Place. The investigation is still ongoing.

Narcotics Officers serve a search warrant at a local hotel

On March 2, 2017 at about 10:30 PM, Narcotics Vice Investigations Division (NVID) Investigators conducted a search warrant at the Days Inn at 3925 SPID in a continuing effort to interdict Synthetic Cannabis in our community . In the room was Longino Castillo (5-22-90) and Manuel Garcia (9-16-86).  Both were arrested without incident.

The investigators  located 802 grams of synthetic cannabis, .27 grams of crack cocaine, and 25.43 grams of marijuana along with several thousand dollars in cash and a Hi-Point semiautomatic pistol.   Both suspects were charged with Manufacturing and Delivery of a Controlled Substance, possession of a Controlled Substance, and possession of marijuana.  A K9 unit and Gang Investigators assisted with the investigation. Both suspects were transported to the City Detention Center.

Investigators Arrest Several People For Felony Synthetic Cannabis Delivery

Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2017, 13:30
Location: 3900 Surfside Boulevard
Offense: Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (Health and Safety Code Section 481.112) Felony
Case Number: 1702140065

Corpus Christi Police Narcotics Investigators, with the assistance of the Portland Police Department and Corpus Christi Police Uniform Division Patrol Officers, arrested a suspected synthetic cannabis dealer Tuesday afternoon downtown near the Harbor Bridge.

Narcotics/Vice Investigations Division officers conducted surveillance at a local hotel, when they observed what appeared to be a drug transaction.  Investigators observed a 24-year-old man deliver two large bags of what investigators suspected was synthetic cannabis to a room at the hotel and then drive away. Investigators followed the suspect vehicle until Corpus Christi Police Patrol Officers conducted a traffic stop on the 600 block of Power Street.  Inside that vehicle officers located approximately $2,500 in cash, which they believed to be proceeds of the drug deal.  While officers were conducting the stop, Narcotics Investigators observed Longino Castillo (5-22-1990), leave the hotel room with the suspected cannabis and exit the parking lot in a vehicle driven by a second man with a woman passenger.  Investigators followed the second car to the same location on Power Street where the first car was stopped and again had Patrol Officers conduct a traffic stop.  Inside the vehicle, officers found and seized approximately 3.5 pounds of synthetic cannabinoid.  The driver, Justin Flores (11/21/1981), passenger Julissa Rios (2/12/1998) and Castillo were all arrested and charged with first degree felony manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance (Penalty group 2A).

The 24-year-old man in the first car was arrested in Portland for first degree felony manufacture and delivery of a controlled substance by Portland Police Officers, who assisted Corpus Christi Police with this investigation.

Man Runs Red Light In Front of Police, Then Arrested For Cocaine Possession

Date: Friday, February 10, 2017, 21:36
Location: Weber Road at South Padre Island Drive
Offense: Possession of a Controlled Substance (Health and Safety Code Section 481.115) 3rd Degree Felony
Case Number: 1702100141

Corpus Christi Police arrested 17-year-old Alaric Flores (12/6/1999) for cocaine possession Friday night after Flores ran a stop light at South Padre Island Drive and Weber.

A Corpus Christi Police Officers saw a blue 2005 Ford F-150 pickup run the red light at Weber and SPID at 9:36pm Friday night, so, the Officer initiated a traffic stop. The Officer discovered the F-150 did not have insurance, the Officer impounded the vehicle. The Officer noticed from the exterior of the vehicle (front windshield) cash inside a plastic bag stuffed in the headliner. The Officer got the bag and discovered it also contained several bags of cocaine. Officers arrested the driver, Alaric Flores (12/6/1999) for possession of a control substance (cocaine) which is a third degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Officers impounded the vehicle and delivered Flores to the city detention center.

Officers discovered 9 tied bags with cocaine, 11 zip top bags with cocaine, and cash in a vehicle driven by a 17 year old man Friday night

Narcotics Raid at 100 Josephine

As part of an ongoing focus on quality of life issues, an early morning drug raid by the CCPD has shut down a problem drug house near City Hall.  At approximately 0545 hours, the Corpus Christi Police Department’s Narcotics Vice Investigations Division, assisted by the CCPD S.W.A.T team, served a search warrant at 110 Josephine.  This warrant was the result of a lengthy investigation brought about by neighborhood complaints and was a joint effort between NVID investigators and CCPD uniformed patrol officers, who collaborated to shut down this neighborhood crack house and dealer. 

During the search of the residence, officers found and seized a small amount of crack and powdered cocaine, approximately one ounce of Synthetic Cannabinoid and a small quantity of marijuana.  Also seized was a new in the box Remington 870 shotgun which is suspected to be stolen pending contact with the registered owner.  Officers also confiscated $1867.00 in cash, believed to be the proceeds of illegal drug sales.  A quantity of paraphernalia used for the making of crack cocaine, drug scales, multiple cell phones, and the surveillance system that was being used by the suspect were also seized.      

Suspect Ruben Vallejo (6-23-89) was arrested and charged with First Degree Felony Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 2/2A and Second Degree Felony Manufacture/Delivery of Controlled Substance in Penalty Group 1.  Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Marijuana and other charges related to the recovered firearm are pending further investigation at this time.   

This successful operation was yet another example of an innovative collaboration between the Department’s Uniform Division and NVID to attack neighborhood drug dealers who degrade the community’s quality of life.  Under this program, Officers from the Uniform Division are temporarily assigned to the NVID, where they learn advanced narcotics investigations techniques such as conducting surveillance, managing informants, drafting search warrants, raid planning, and search warrant execution.  Patrol Officers bring a problem drug house from their assigned beat with them to NVID, where they are then paired with a NVID Investigator to attack the problem.  This joint response to neighborhood quality of life issues results in an all-around win for all involved, except, of course, for the drug dealers who fall into the team’s sights.  Patrol Officers return to their division with advanced training, skills and knowledge, NVID benefits from the additional resources and street level intelligence, and most importantly, the residents and business owners of the neighborhood are freed from the blight of neighborhood drug dealers.

Operation Stickman

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.