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“Drug reverse” nets $275,000 in cash and iceTue, 06/12/2007 - 5:07pm
By: Ben Nelms
A June 6 “drug reverse” conducted by Fayette Sheriff’s Drug Task Force (DTF), FBI and DEA agents at Fayette Pavilion resulted in the seizure of approximately $275,000 in cash and approximately one pound of “ice” (methamphetamine) and the arrest of six Mexican nationals. Arrested and charged with trafficking in methamphetamine and criminal intent to traffic in cocaine were Javier Visuena, 47; Javier Aviles, 27; Jorge Aviles, 25; Antonio Cruz, 23; Nazario Pineda, 37; and Jaimes Garcia, 36, according to task force Capt. Mike Pruitt. All the men are Mexican nationals living in Norcross, Pruitt said. Arriving in Fayetteville in three vehicles, including two with traps containing the methamphetamine and cash, the six men met at the prearranged transaction location in the Home Depot parking lot at Fayette Pavilion. The men came to Fayette County expecting to purchase 15 kilograms of cocaine and to have another 28 kilograms fronted to them, said Pruitt. The men were connected to a Mexican drug cartel, but mistakenly believed that undercover agents were part of a distributor “cell” linked to the cartel’s international drug operation. “They thought we were the distributor. Undercover agents had infiltrated this cell and worked up the deal,” Pruitt said. “They came for 43 kilos of cocaine. They had the money to buy 15 kilos up front and, like with a lot of cartel deals, they would have the other (28 kilos) fronted to them.” Once the fronted drugs are sold the money is shipped through channels back to Mexico, Pruitt said. The operation was conducted by the David G. Wilhelm Strike Force, including seven marked and unmarked vehicles from Fayette DTF along with agents with FBI and DEA (federal Drug Enforcement Administration) on the ground while a Fayette sheriff’s helicopter and a DEA airplane that had followed the vehicles into Fayette County monitored activities overhead. Also assisting were five patrol units from Fayetteville Police. The mass of law enforcement at the bust made for a situation that was effective and safe, Pruitt said. As with the long-standing presence of a Tyrone agent on the task force, Pruitt said the recent addition of an agent from Fayetteville Police serves to enhance both the numbers of available agents and the effectiveness of DTF operations. Pruitt said significant to the relationship with Fayetteville Police was the presence of Chief Steve Heaton. “The relationship has dramatically changed since Heaton took over. The difference in participation is like night and day,” Pruitt said. “This is the way law enforcement is meant to work.” login to post comments
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