By Lawrence Buser buser@commercialappealcom
A dozen members of three gangs have been arrested in a major drug bust involving the seizure of marijuana, cocaine, illegal weapons and $1 million in cash, authorities said Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference, U.S. Atty. David Kustoff said raids were carried out at 15 locations with the primary focus at homes on Mayflower and Vernon, both near Jackson and National in the Nutbush area.
In addition to bales of packaged marijuana, authorities found a sophisticated growing operation with fully developed marijuana plants ready for harvest, he said.
The seizures, carried out Tuesday, included $1 million in cash, more than a ton of marijuana, 20 pounds of cocaine, 15 illegal firearms and dozens of vehicles.
Authorities estimated that a pound of marijuana could be sold for $700 on the streets and that a kilogram of cocaine – 2.2 pounds – would bring $20,000.
The multi-agency investigation was the culmination of several months of work and ranks as “one of the biggest busts in the history of the city,” said Memphis Police Director Larry Godwin.
“It’s certainly one of the top five ever,” he said.
The 12 men indicted in the case include gang members of the Vice Lords, the Gangster Disciples and the Almighty Latin Kings. Ten of the 12 are in custody.
Drug conspiracy carries punishment from 10 years to life in prison and up to $4 million in fines.
The FBI-led investigation, which is ongoing, also involves the Memphis Police, Shelby County Sheriff’s Office and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
– Lawrence Buser: 529-2385
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Busted
Named in federal drug conspiracy indictments Wednesday are: Argeo Gonzalez-Perez, a.k.a. ‘Nicolas,’ ‘El Enano;’ Reyler Sanchez-Perez, a.k.a. ‘Pezuna;’ Juan Carlos Coss; Juan Jose Hernandez, a.k.a. ‘Mario,’ ‘Vato;’ Porfirio Montejano; Antowine Conway; Terrell Walls, a.k.a. ‘C,’ ‘Crackrah;’ Gregory Mabone; Roderick Tucker; Ray Alexander; Reginald Bean Jr., a.k.a. ‘Marcus D. Jones,’ ‘Marcus D. Allen;’ and David Staples.
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(c) 2007 Commercial Appeal, The. Provided by ProQuest Information and Learning. All rights Reserved.
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