Gwinnett Police Bust 16, Seize $2.5 Million in Drugs

An investigation into suspected heroin overdose deaths in October uncovered a large drug-trafficking operation and led to 16 arrests in Gwinnett County.

Police seized more that $2.5 million worth of drugs that were destined for the street.

Gwinnett Police said in a news release the department’s Narcotics Unit began the investigation by looking into three deaths in October 2014 that were all believed to be heroin-related.

“After identifying the dealer, detectives discovered they were dealing with a drug trafficking organization,” Gwinnett Police Cpl. Jake Smith said in an email. “The scope of the investigation was expanded and new leads were discovered. The investigation continued for several months and was largely resolved in February 2015.”

Police seized approximately 5,900 grams of heroin, 530 grams of cocaine, 480 grams of marijuana and 230 grams of methamphetamine, and 12 vehicles used in the operation.

Arrested were:

• Arturo Cruz-Reyes, 39
• Angel Matos-Bautista, 24
• Pedro Almazan-Diaz, 32
• Alejandro Palomares-Alvarado, 34
• Lee Nixon, 25
• Ranferi Vega Morales, 40
• Francisco Vargas-Rojo, 33
• Pedro Crisantos-Lemus, 33
• Daniel Perez-Arrellin, 49
• Carolina Ciru Jimenez, 37
• Carlos Gabriel Benites-Monseratte, 36
• Luis Colon-Ortiz, 51
• Darim Diaz-Jimenez, 22
• Ismael Lewis, 37
• Carlos Armando Ramirez, 30
• Ambrogio Guerrero-Perez, 39

Most of the suspects have been charged with drug trafficking. The investigation is ongoing and more charges are possible.