Five tons of marijuana and $4.3 million seized in Indianapolis cartel bust
Federal and local investigators seized more than five tons of marijuana and $4.3 million in drug proceeds in Indianapolis after a seven-month probe that began at a Mexican grocery store. Four men were jailed on federal drug charges in what officials called the biggest bust in Marion County history.
🇺🇸 Indianapolis, Marion County, Indiana · Indiana, United States
Federal and local investigators seized more than five tons of marijuana and
about $4.3 million in drug money in Indianapolis, in what United States
Attorney Joseph Hogsett called the biggest drug bust in Marion County history
and one of the largest in Indiana history.[1][2]The investigation began in
March 2011, when officers suspected illegal activity at a Mexican grocery
store in Indianapolis; a tractor-trailer leaving the store was found with $2.6
million in drug assets hidden in a false roof.[1][2]
Surveillance then led officers to a warehouse on the city’s west side holding
five large metal storage containers filled with plastic-wrapped marijuana.[1]Officials said the drugs and cash were linked to a Mexican drug cartel,
with the cash believed to be headed to Mexico and the marijuana carrying a
bulk value of about $5 million.[2]
Four men, Jairo Ramirez, Efren Perez, Julio Cesar Castaneda and Tomas Toledo,
were jailed on federal charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to
distribute 1,000 kilograms or more of marijuana.[1][2]Castaneda and Toledo
were also identified as being in the United States illegally.[1]
Case data
Every number and detail the sources state, with the sources that state it.
The warehouse search was described only as happening the week before the 24 October announcement; no exact search date was published.
The reports name four men charged but give no trial outcome or sentence.
The $2.6 million found in the semi trailer's false roof is described as part of the investigation; the reports do not break down how the $4.3 million total was composed.
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