FBI Media Release
Special Agent in Charge Manuel E. Mora

660 Mesa Hills Drive El Paso, TX 79912

To: All print and broadcast media

Contact: Special Agent Andrea Simmons, 915.832.5373

March 23, 2006

Four People Arrested on Drug Charges

A three-month investigation culminated in the arrest of four individuals Wednesday, March 22, 2006, on drug charges, Special Agent in Charge Manuel E. Mora of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and El Paso County Sheriff Leo Samaniego announced today.

ROGELIO PORTILLO, 31 years old, RENE SANCHEZ, 31 years old, both of El Paso, Texas; HUGO RODRIGUEZ RAMIREZ, 23 years old, and SALVADOR MACIAS, 25 years old, both illegal aliens; will be charged today by criminal complaint for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute one kilogram or more of cocaine and five kilograms or more of cocaine. In addition, 4.75 kilograms of cocaine were seized at the time of the arrest along with three vehicles.

Upon conviction, each person faces 10 years (minimum mandatory) to life in prison and a fine not to exceed $4 million.

This case was investigated by the FBI and the El Paso County Criminal Enterprise Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Garcia is prosecuting the case.