TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration arrested seven alleged members of the Erick Erives drug trafficking organization.
A 28-count indictment cites multiple drug charges, allegations of money laundering and fraud.
Erica C. Curry, Program Information Specialist & Public Information Officer for the DEA says that Erick Erives employed multiple drug load coordinators, drivers and multiple stash houses based in Tucson, Sierra Vista, Bisbee, Huachuca City and Naco, Arizona.
Erives is also the son of current DEA fugitive Ignacio Alfredo Erives-Martinez, said Curry.
Several of the load drivers and coordinators formed their acquaintance while attending high school in Sierra Vista and were recruited into drug trafficking during social encounters at a skate park near Veteran’s Memorial Park, said Curry.
“Drug traffickers cannot conceal their illegal activity in our small towns in an effort to evade law enforcement,” said Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman.
"The DEA will find you, investigate your activity and ensure you face justice for your drug crimes in our communities.”
The investigation into the Erives drug trafficking organization began in Sept. 2014, and resulted in the seizure of various drugs.
Other people arrested as part of the drug trafficking organization are:
- Erick A. Erives, 29, Tucson
- Sorina N. Morales, 28, Tucson
- Patrick J. Bramwell, 20, Sierra Vista
- Cody D. Avery, 22, Sierra Visa
- Mercedes V. Anello, 21, Huachuca City
- Francisco Chavez-Bustamonte, 26, Sierra Vista
- Lorenzo Cordova-Bustamante, 54, Sierra Vista
According to Curry, the two-day enforcement operation included personnel from the DEA’s Sierra Vista Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations-Douglas, the United States Border Patrol, the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and the Pima County Sheriff’s Office. The Arizona Attorney General’s Office will pursue the prosecution.
