Seguin police arrest 18 in drug trafficking investigation

(Seguin) — The Seguin Police Department’s seven-month investigation into narcotics trafficking and organized criminal activity has resulted in 18 arrests, 23 state criminal charges, nine additional cleared warrants and three federal indictments. That’s according to Seguin Police Chief Jason Brady.

Brady says the takedown of these alleged suspects resulted from Operation SHAKEDOWN. He says Operation SHAKEDOWN grew out of the department’s efforts to establish the department’s C.A.S.E. (Criminal Apprehension Street Enforcement) unit three years ago.

“I would say it begin in ’23, when we decided to develop the case unit and have a street crimes, a proactive element so that we had the ability not only to respond to crime, but to proactively look for and address quality of life issues, including gangs and drugs and so forth,” said Brady.

Brady says the unit originally conducted Operation Low Key, which focused on street-level drug dealers. Operation SHAKEDOWN, however, represents the next step, targeting what he describes as a mid-level tier of drug distribution.

“So this particular operation has been going on for seven months in terms of developing the cases and the targets, until they basically sprung the trap last Thursday,” said Brady.

During the investigation, officers seized approximately five ounces of marijuana, 281 grams of methamphetamine, 21.65 grams of heroin and 49.14 grams of cocaine. They also seized eight firearms and approximately $3,900 in cash.

Officials say the narcotics were packaged in a manner consistent with distribution and prepared for street-level sale. Several people arrested were confirmed members of criminal street gangs, while others were identified as suspected associates or members involved in gang activity.

The department says three federal indictments involved narcotics trafficking and weapons offenses. Additional arrests connected to the operation are expected.

Meanwhile, Brady says the department intends to continue pursuing suspected drug dealers and plans to build on the work of the C.A.S.E. Unit.

“We’re not going to rest until we arrest everyone that’s involved in selling narcotics in our community,” said Brady. “We’re not going to tolerate it, and we’re going to actively pursue it.”

He says the specialized unit allows officers to dedicate time to investigations that patrol officers, who must remain available to answer emergency and other calls, may have limited time to pursue.

“So now we have proactive assets and we hope to acquire more, that we can focus exclusively on criminals,” said Brady. “So not waiting for crimes to happen, but going after folks, committing crimes, and folks that are before they’re able to, to put that poison out on the streets.”

Brady says this is an important fight for the community. He says illegal narcotics can affect residents even if they do not use drugs or know someone who does.

“We see drugs as a victimless crime, but it’s an expensive habit,” said Brady. Often there’s a nexus to drugs, to acquire money to fund drugs. But I’d say number two, more importantly, is that there’s human lives that are destroyed. These drugs, they destroy families, they rip them apart. They destroy the health of individuals and even folks that sometimes get help and treatment and get over it, I mean, some of the damage done to the bodies, irreversible, and the damage they’ve done to relationships and their personal economics and you know, wasted years, it’s awful.”

This latest operation included assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration, which the department thanked for its partnership.

Brady praised the officers involved and encouraged residents to report information about suspected drug activity or other criminal conduct.

“It’s our community. I think we should all take some responsibility and ownership. And I think if we all work together, we’re going to see a lot, a lot safer community,” said Brady.

Those rounded up include Jesus Javier Jaimes, 42; Juan Eugenio Perales, 49; Sandra Castillo, 55; Federico Torrez, 45; Christopher Miguel Chapman, 32; Ricky Christian Aviles, 30; Alejandro Inocencio, 30; Cruz Carlos Acosta, 47; Darrian Elijah Wilson, 31; Jeffrey Rodriguez, 21; Luis Jaime Diaz, 33; Christian Rodriguez, 55; Christina Silva, 39; Franciscio Moreno, 51; April Castillo, 49; Justin Joel Flores, 34; Amanda Martinez, 39 and Debra Ann Sanchez, 56.

Anyone with information about suspected narcotics trafficking, organized criminal activity or other crimes can contact the Seguin Police Department at 830-379-2123 or submit a tip through Guadalupe County Crime Stoppers.