Constable Alan Rosen reported that authorities seized heroin, cocaine, meth, 232 pounds of marijuana, numerous firearms, and more from an apartment complex in northwest Houston.
HOUSTON — A significant $1 million drug operation linked to a violent Venezuelan gang has been dismantled following a year-long undercover investigation, Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen announced on Wednesday.
Officials revealed that the criminal organization was running a drive-thru drug trafficking operation from an apartment complex on Antoine and Tidwell in northwest Houston. The suspects were selling black tar heroin, cocaine, meth, MDMA, and marijuana to as many as 30 cars per hour, Rosen said.
Five men were arrested in what is the largest drug bust in Precinct 1 history. Authorities believe they may have connections to Tren de Aragua, a notorious Venezuelan gang, according to DPS Lt. Craig Cummings. Two additional individuals were handed over to ICE custody for immigration-related issues.
The following items were confiscated:
- 232 pounds of marijuana
- 13 kilos of methamphetamine
- 7 kilos of cocaine
- 1 kilo of MDMA
- 43 grams of black tar heroin
- 40 grams of mushrooms
- 24 firearms, including three that were stolen
In one of the apartments, investigators found a large religious shrine, which Rosen speculated might have been used to shield the suspects from law enforcement.
“I can’t imagine families living in that complex, witnessing the constant traffic and the drug addicts involved in illegal activities every day,” Rosen said. “It must have been overwhelming for them, and we’re tired of it.”
Rosen suggested that some residents might have been too afraid to report what was happening.
“People see what’s on TV, and they’ve witnessed too much,” he said. “They want peace for their families, and they don’t want to get involved.”
The investigation began when a couple of patrol officers noticed suspicious activity at the complex and stopped several vehicles, finding drugs in each one. It quickly became clear they had uncovered a large operation.
Precinct 1 reached out to the Texas Department of Public Safety for help with the undercover and surveillance work, along with agents from the DPS Texas Anti-Gang Center in Houston. The U.S. Marshal Service and Houston Police Department also joined the effort.
Rosen indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, and further arrests may follow.
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