Texas – A major law enforcement operation has resulted in the arrest of 29 individuals involved in drug trafficking and money laundering crimes across Houston and multiple other states. Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery announced the arrests, which were made as part of a coordinated effort spanning Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, North Carolina, and various areas within Texas.
Criminal Network Uncovered Across Multiple States
The individuals arrested in the Houston area have started making their initial court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peter Bray. The charges, detailed in four separate indictments, allege that criminal activities took place between April 2022 and October 2024. Grand juries in Houston returned the indictments in October and November 2024, uncovering a sophisticated international trade-based money laundering operation.
According to the indictments, criminal organizations, including the notorious Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), used this network to launder illegal funds by purchasing and selling cellular phones. Authorities have identified Francisco Jaramillo-Valdovinos, also known as Chico Jaramillo, as a key figure in the operation. Jaramillo-Valdovinos, an alleged top commander within CJNG, remains a fugitive, and law enforcement officials have issued an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has urged the public to provide any information regarding his whereabouts by contacting 713-693-3000.
Significant Seizures and Long-Term Investigation Efforts
The arrests mark the culmination of a 21-month investigation named Operation Noch, led by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF). Authorities involved in the operation reportedly seized hundreds of kilograms of illicit substances, including cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, marijuana, and alprazolam, along with millions of dollars in drug proceeds.
In addition to the arrests, law enforcement seized a substantial amount of contraband and assets, including:
- 85 kilograms of methamphetamine
- 10 kilograms of cocaine
- 17 firearms
- $481,000 from a bank account
- Approximately $566,000 in bulk cash
Potential Sentences and Ongoing Investigation
If convicted, those charged with drug trafficking offenses could face life imprisonment and significant financial penalties amounting to millions of dollars. Individuals accused of money laundering could receive up to 20 years in federal prison. The investigation and legal proceedings are being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephanie Bauman, Sherin Daniel, and Leo J. Leo III…