The Brief Federal authorities arrested 19 people following a long-term investigation into an alleged drug trafficking organization operating in Alice, Texas. Prosecutors allege high-ranking members used violence to lock workers inside trap houses and force them to sell drugs through door slots. Law enforcement executed 11 search warrants and seized over 35 firearms, thousands of ammunition rounds, drugs, and nearly $100,000 in cash.



Federal prosecutors announced on Oct, 8 that authorities have arrested 19 people following a long-term investigation into an alleged drug trafficking organization operating in and around Alice, Texas.

19 charged in Alice, Texas cocaine ring

What we know:

All 19 individuals are charged with conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine and more than 280 grams of crack cocaine.

They have made appearances in federal court. According to court documents, the organization allegedly distributed cocaine and crack cocaine from several residences in the Alice area.

Those arrested are:

Joel Sanchez, 31

David Villagran Jr., also known as  Little Tinko,  34

Rene Villagran, also known as  Chucho,  36

David Villagran Sr., also known as  Big Tinko,  51

Jose Romeo Sanchez, also known as  Baby Joe,  37

Esteban Mata, 29

Matthew Cantu, also known as  Fat Matt,  39

Sierra Watrin, 30

Jewel Watrin, 32

Joshua Rios, 44

Esiquio Juarez, also known as  Zeke,  53

Richard Garza, also known as  Blackie,  66

Christopher Johnson, 20

Jake Rangel, 28

Sierra Rodriguez, 23

Joel Flores, 52

David Cantu, also known as  Pamfi,  39

Lucia Gonzalez, 34

Cindy Gutierrez, 42

Search warrants yield weapons, cash, and narcotics

11 search warrants were executed throughout Alice, seizing more than 35 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, cocaine, crack cocaine, nearly $100,000 in cash, drug ledgers, digital scales covered with drug residue and other items associated with drug trafficking, according to court documents.

Dig deeper:

According to the news release, the investigation began in March 2024 and identified members of the Villagran family and their associat
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