Houston Drug Ring Used Taco Trucks for Distribution, 15 Indicted
Houston, TX — A sprawling drug-trafficking operation that used taco trucks and the U.S. mail to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics has been dismantled, federal authorities announced this week. Fifteen suspected Houston gang members now face federal charges after a grand jury indictment unsealed on May 22 exposed the ring’s tactics and alleged members.
Details of the Operation
According to the indictment, the group operated out of multiple residences and a taco truck, leveraging these locations to store and sell large quantities of illicit drugs. The suspects are accused of distributing methamphetamine, powder and crack cocaine, heroin, oxycodone, Xanax, psilocybin mushrooms, and marijuana throughout Houston neighborhoods.
The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Houston in partnership with the Houston Police Department and other federal agencies, revealed that the organization imported methamphetamine directly from Mexico. The group allegedly used the U.S. postal service to move drugs, in addition to selling from the taco truck and various homes. In one notable incident from June 2023, authorities seized 29 kilograms of methamphetamine that a suspect was attempting to smuggle into the United States.
Arrests and Charges
Twelve of the fifteen indicted individuals are now in custody, while three remain fugitives with active warrants. Those charged include both men and women, most of whom are Houston residents. Among the accused are:
- James Michael Brewer (aka Creeper), 33
- Jonathan Alvarado (aka Joker), 28
- Alexis Delgado (aka Chino), 28
- Hector Luis Lopez (aka Capulito), 23
- Kylie Rae Alvarado, 24
- Ruby Mata, 31
- Victor Norris Ellison, 35
- Mexi Dyan Garcia (aka Mexi), 31
- Jesus Gomez-Rodriguez (aka Jr.), 33
- Enzo Xavier Dominguez (aka Smiley), 32
- William Alexander Lazo (aka Miclo), 21
- Alfredo Gomez (aka Fredo), 26
Three additional suspects, including Mexican national Jose Francisco Garcia-Martinez (aka Paco), Guatemalan national Marcos Rene Simaj-Guch (aka Taco Man), and Jose Eduardo Morales (aka Primo), remain at large.
Several defendants are also charged with firearms offenses, including illegal possession of firearms by felons and using firearms to further their drug trafficking activities. These charges could add up to 15 years to their sentences if convicted.
Official Statements
Matthew R. Galeotti, head of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, stated, “This drug trafficking organization imported methamphetamine from Mexico and used the U.S. mail, a taco truck, and homes in different Houston neighborhoods to distribute and sell methamphetamine and other dangerous drugs. Several of the defendants are also alleged to have used firearms in furtherance of their narcotics trafficking and illegally possessed firearms despite having previously been convicted of felonies”.
Chad Plantz, Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI Houston, emphasized the impact of the bust: “Working in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and our Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces partners, we were able to expose and dismantle their drug trafficking scheme, eliminating a significant contributor to violent crime in the area and saving an untold number of Houstonians from becoming addicted”.
Potential Penalties
If convicted, most of the defendants face sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison. Simaj-Guch could face up to 40 years, while those charged with firearms offenses may receive an additional 15 years.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate, aiming to dismantle similar networks that use legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities. The case underscores the evolving tactics of drug traffickers and the importance of multi-agency cooperation in combating organized crime.
An indictment is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.