According to the Orlando Sentinel, 16 arrest warrants were issued in “Operation Chupa Cabra." Authorities believe the accused smugglers transported heroin from Brooklyn, N.Y. to Orlando, F.L. on commercial flights. Members of the ring allegedly traded cell phones and bags of heroin in neighborhood parking lots.
Operation Chupa Cabra began in May 2013, when authorities arrested a 35-year-old man for selling and delivering heroin and for conspiracy to commit human trafficking. Four others have already been arrested, reports the Orlando Sentinel.
The Orlando Metropolitan Bureau of Investigation is charging the 16 individuals with racketeering, conspiracy to commit racketeering, and heroin trafficking. A violation of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act is a first-degree felony, punishable by 30 years, reports My Fox Orlando.
According to the Florida Bureau of Investigation, one of the three houses that was raided by authorities also ran a day care, reports WFTV. Agent Lt. Samuel Riggi Jr. told the news station that due to the crackdown on prescription drugs, heroin sales have increased. Agent Riggi Jr. said that he believes the ring was transporting about a kilogram of heroin a week.
“Chupacabra” is a Spanish word for a mythical creature that drinks the blood of livestock.
