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Department of Justice Offers Bounty for Drug Cartel Brothers

Press conference discussing rewards for drug cartel arrests

News Summary

The Department of Justice has announced multi-million dollar rewards for information leading to the capture of Johnny and Jose Hurtado Olascoaga, brothers wanted for serious drug trafficking charges. Linked to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel, the brothers are believed to be hiding in Mexico. The DOJ is offering up to $8 million for tips leading to their arrest, as authorities ramp up efforts to combat drug-related crimes in Georgia.

Department of Justice Offers Multi-Million Dollar Rewards for Arrest of Drug Cartel Brothers Linked to Trafficking in Georgia

Atlanta, Georgia – In a dramatic move aimed at tackling rampant drug trafficking, the Department of Justice has announced multi-million dollar rewards for crucial information leading to the arrest of two notorious brothers involved in illegal drug operations. The brothers, Johnny “Pez” Hurtado Olascoaga and Jose “Fresa” Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga, are on the run and are believed to be hiding in Mexico.

Crimes and Allegations

The Hurtado brothers are wanted for a bevy of serious charges including conspiracy to manufacture, import, and distribute a cocktail of dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. They are also implicated in money laundering activities that have allowed them to profit immensely from their unlawful enterprises.

Connection to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana

Federal investigators have linked the brothers to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM) Drug Cartel, recognized as a foreign terrorist organization. This cartel is notorious for its expansive drug trafficking operations across the United States, with the DEA estimating that they handle over 60 metric tons of Schedule I and II substances annually.

Reward Offerings

The stakes are high, with authorities offering up to $5 million for information leading to Johnny Olascoaga’s capture and an additional $3 million for tips regarding Jose Olascoaga. Individuals with relevant information are urged to reach out to the DEA at (404) 281-3220 or contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if they are overseas.

Recent Developments

A news conference held recently illuminated these pressing matters, and despite U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s anticipated visit to Atlanta, she was ultimately unable to attend. In total, a whopping $8 million is at stake for information leading to the brothers’ arrests and convictions.

Law Enforcement Crackdown

As part of a crackdown on the cartel, law enforcement agencies have made significant strides, displaying around 100 pounds of fentanyl, uncovering $300,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and seizing numerous firearms in recent operations which led to 22 arrests.

Additional Indictments

Another key figure in the investigation, Guadalupe Tabares Martinez from Mableton, Georgia, has also been indicted for her own alleged role in this intricate operation. Charged with conspiracy to commit international money laundering, she is accused of running an unlicensed money service business that funneled drug proceeds to cartel members in Mexico.

Ongoing Investigations

The investigation into the LNFM cartel, which began in 2021, highlights the serious nature of drug distribution methods employed in metro Atlanta. It is believed that the cartel has collaborated with various U.S.-based partners to facilitate the transportation of drugs across borders while laundering the illicit profits back to Mexico.

Conclusion

As the U.S. authorities remain committed to dismantling transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, the indictment of the Hurtado brothers sends a strong message about their determination to combat such operations. The efforts underscore the seriousness of the consequences experienced by communities affected by drug trafficking.