PHOENIX and TUCSON, Ariz. – The United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona announced the results of its efforts through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program over the past four years. Since January 2021, 536 defendants have been charged across 174 indictments under the initiative aimed at disrupting and dismantling high-level criminal networks.
OCDETF Overview
The OCDETF program employs a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven approach, combining the resources of federal, state, and local law enforcement to combat drug trafficking, money laundering, transnational crime, and gang activity. Agencies involved include the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Diplomatic Security Service; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Homeland Security Investigations; Internal Revenue Service; U.S. Marshals Service; and U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Highlighted Cases
Several notable cases demonstrate the program’s success in addressing criminal enterprises:
- Nestor Hernandez-Morales: Sentenced to 96 months for trafficking methamphetamine, firearm offenses, and smuggling weapons to Mexican cartels.
- Jose Raul Diaz-Acedo: Caught smuggling AR-15 rifles and 25,000 rounds of ammunition; sentenced to 37 months in prison.
- Keivin Crosswell-Cervantes and Co-Conspirators: Distributed fentanyl and methamphetamine in large quantities; Crosswell-Cervantes was sentenced to 17 years in prison.
- Maria Mendoza-Mendoza (“La Guera”): Extradited from Honduras for leading a human smuggling operation; sentenced to 10 years.
- Hector Francisco Ramirez-Roman: Transported 332 kilograms of liquid methamphetamine in a tractor-trailer; sentenced to 108 months.
- Gabriel Vejar-Cota: Managed a stash house in Phoenix with large quantities of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl; sentenced to over 10 years.
Impact of OCDETF in Arizona
This collaboration has targeted major criminal organizations and brought substantial sentences for those involved in drug trafficking, human smuggling, and illegal firearms activities. The program has also seized millions in assets, including cash, vehicles, firearms, and contraband, significantly disrupting criminal enterprises across Arizona.
The Importance of Ongoing Efforts
“These cases underscore the commitment of the OCDETF program to dismantle dangerous criminal networks and make our communities safer,” stated the U.S. Attorney’s Office. “Through continued collaboration and vigilance, we will target the highest-level offenders who pose significant threats to public safety.”
For more information on the OCDETF program and its mission, visit justice.gov/OCDETF.
