12 people charged in connection with South Florida drug ring involving MS-13 – NBC 6 South Florida

A dozen suspects, including members of the notorious MS-13 gang and the Mexican Mafia, are facing charges in connection with the dismantling of a drug ring in South Florida, authorities said.

The 12 suspects are charged with conspiracy to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to resell in Broward and Miami-Dade, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida said Friday.

The defendants include:

• Edgar Garcia-Velasquez, alias “Diablo”, 34, Honduran citizen
• Francisco Rangel, aka “Casper,” 41, from California.
• Gabriela Rodriguez-Carrillo, 42, of California.
• Luis Portillo, aka “Shadow,” aka “Sombra,” 35, of Miami
• Jose Puga, also known as “Stranger,” 45, from California.
• Malinda Martinez, 42, of Fort Myers, Florida.
• Karina Martinez-Vazquez, 34, of Miami
• Rafael Gutierrez, aka “Rafy,” 28, of Miami
• Jose Hernandez, a/k/a “Blue Demon,” a/k/a “Labomba3,” 39, of Belle Glade, Florida.
• Loupe Loredo, also known as “L3g3nd,” 39, of Lake Wales, Florida.
• Felipe Gonzalez, also known as “Wicked,” 41, from California.
• Hugo Cruz, also known as “Houdini,” 33, of LaBelle, Florida.

Five of the suspects are also accused of distributing a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

Prosecutors said some of the suspects were members of the notorious international gangs MS-13, Sur-13 and the Mexican Mafia.

On September 12, authorities began arresting the suspects, many of whom appeared in court.

If convicted, she faces a life sentence in prison.

The case is being investigated by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Drug Enforcement Administration and Broward Sheriff's Office, as well as other agencies in Florida and California.