Those arrested, their names sound Irish.
Cocaine trafficking ring in Houston, SugarLand unraveled
By DALE LEZON HOUSTON CHRONICLE April 30, 2010, 7:40AM
Seven local residents have been arrested and accused of being part of a cocaine trafficking ring, federal authorities said Thursday.
Officials said investigators Wednesday searched four residences in Houston and Sugar Land which allegedly were used to store and distribute cocaine.
Agents discovered about 147 kilograms of cocaine, 11 assault rifles, five pistols, drug ledgers and hydraulic cocaine presses as well as $250,000, federal officials said.
Arrested for their alleged roles in a conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine were Isaias Perez Gallegos Jr., 30, and Suleyka Gallegos, 30, both of Sugar Land; Francisco Paniagua Romero, 35, Alvaro D. Palma Jr., 30, Wendy Gallegos, 33, Julio Villanueva, 38, and Fernando Gallegos, 20, all of Houston.
The Houston homes were in the 15200 block of Memorial View, the 5200 block of Ireland and the 300 block of Branard. The Sugar Land home was in the 3300 block of Pecan Point.
Conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 5 kilograms of cocaine carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years imprisonment with a maximum of life and a $4 million fine.