A multi-agency operation targeted two groups from Austin, Texas, with alleged ties to a violent Mexican organized crime group for drug production and trafficking, according to a press release from the US Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The first operation followed a grand jury indictment that charged 27 with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment also charged the group with meth distribution, heroin distribution and money laundering charges.
The narco-traffickers reportedly have ties to the Knights Templar, a violent Mexican drug cartel that operates in the Michoacan region of Mexico, which lies west of Mexico City.
The drug traffickers allegedly used hidden compartments in cars to stash the narcotics for transport to a body shop, where the drugs were prepared for shipment and sale. Law enforcement officers found over 75kg of methamphetamine, 10kg of cocaine and two kg of heroin.
A second grand jury indictment charged 14 others with involvement in a separate cocaine and methamphetamine distribution network. Charges included conspiracy to possess and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Authorities seized over $1,000,000 in drug proceeds and confiscated kilos of cocaine and marijuana.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and US Drug Enforcement Agency were involved in the investigation. The Central Texas High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, a coalition of 18 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, was also involved.