The Houston division of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was particularly busy recently, when nearly two dozen people in Texas were arrested and charged in a large money laundering operation.
This criminal ring was involved in not just money laundering but also drug trafficking and a large firearms shipment.
Money Laundering Operation in Texas
In the week of June 18, 23 persons were arrested in Houston, Galveston, and the Rio Grande Valley, Texas, on charges of narcotics trafficking, guns, and money laundering.
All 23 were charged with crimes ranging from transporting 170 kg of cocaine, 2,000 kg of methamphetamine, and over 100 guns to laundering more than $3 million.
If convicted, those charged with more serious drug trafficking offenses could face life in jail and millions of dollars in fines.
Those charged with money laundering may face up to 20 years in jail.
All 23 arrests were the result of joint investigations by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs). The gigantic undertaking was also known as Operation Red Ranger, Borrowed Time, and Resurrection.