MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Four men from Mexico and California were convicted for their role in trafficking multiple kilos of cocaine between California and West Tennessee, the Department of Justice said.
According to information presented in the court case, the Department of Homeland Security’s border task force learned of a drug trafficking organization operating in West Tennessee. Investigators determined that Jose Iban-Arcos and Edwin Mayorga were getting their hands on kilograms of cocaine, and that both men had previous convictions for drug trafficking in the Western District of Tennessee. They also found that Jose Hernandez-Gonzalez was distributing for the organization and Jesus Serrano-Mayorquin transported drugs from California. Agents seized over 25 kilograms–roughly 55 pounds–of cocaine and several firearms during the investigation, including more than 45 pounds of cocaine found during a traffic stop.
The men were indicted in June 2023; each later plead guilty and were sentenced.
- Iban-Arcos plead guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and illegal reentry into the United States. He was sentenced to 7 years in prison with five years of probation to follow.
- Mayorga plead guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute; he was sentenced to 5.5 years in prison with four years of probation afterward.
- Mayorquin plead guilty to possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 2 years in prison followed by 3 years of probation.
- Hernandez-Gonzalez plead guilty to conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking; he was sentenced to a year-and-a-half of house arrest followed by 5 years probation.
“This investigation and the resulting sentences highlight the exceptional work of HSI Nashville and the vital law enforcement partnerships that are essential to protecting our communities,” said HSI Nashville Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Colin Jackson. “We remain dedicated to dismantling drug trafficking networks that endanger lives through the illegal distribution of narcotics, ensuring those responsible face the full force of the law.”…