22 Arrested After Year Long Investigation in Corpus Christi

CORPUS CHRISTI, December 13, 2007 - SAC Andrew R. Bland III, FBI Houston Division, Chief Bryan P. Smith of the Corpus Christi Police Department, and SAC James “Dewey” Webb of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (BATF) Houston Division announced the arrest of 22 subjects in connection with a long term investigation into methamphetamine distribution within the city of Corpus Christi.

The investigation was a joint effort involving the Corpus Christi Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) and the BATF. The VCTF, which is comprised of FBI agents and Corpus Christi Police Officers, was formed to combat street gangs and violent crime.

Today’s arrests are the culmination of a year-long investigation. To date, a total of 22 subjects have been charged in connection with this case. 20 subjects were charged in federal indictments and complaints, and an additional two subjects were charged by the Nueces County District Attorney’s office. Numerous subjects of this investigation are documented in Corpus Christi Police Department data bases as members of the Raza Unida and Aryan Brotherhood prison gangs.

Ten subjects of the case had been arrested prior to this morning’s operation. Commencing at 6 a.m., coordinated arrests took place at various locations in Corpus Christi. The operation involved over eighty law enforcement officials. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Port of Corpus Christi Police contributed agents and officers to assist in the takedown. During today’s operation, nine subjects were arrested, two firearms were seized, and approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine was recovered.

During the course of the year long investigation, eight pounds of methamphetamine, $67,000 in cash, and 35 firearms were seized.

Four subjects in this case remain at large.

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