ICE Seizes Over $2.2 Million in Luxury Watches and High-End Cars from Drug Trafficking Organization Members

Major Drug Trafficking Organization Targeted in Puerto Rico: ICE HSI Seizes Luxury Assets

In a significant operation this morning, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) special agents executed a seizure of luxury assets linked to the notorious Jose Figueroa-Agosto drug trafficking organization, also known as Junior Capsula. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 15 luxury watches valued at approximately $1 million and 16 classic and collectible cars worth around $2.2 million. This bold move underscores the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to dismantle drug trafficking networks and seize their ill-gotten gains.

High-Value Seizures

Among the high-value items seized was a Roger Dubois watch, estimated at $100,000, and a special edition Camaro equipped with a jet fuel engine, valued at over $75,000. These luxury items not only reflect the lavish lifestyles often associated with drug trafficking but also serve as tangible evidence of the financial success of such criminal enterprises. Roberto Escobar Vargas, special agent in charge of ICE HSI in Puerto Rico, stated, "These seizures are proof that ICE HSI will continue to aggressively go after those organizations dedicated to the importation of drugs into Puerto Rico as well as their assets."

The Figueroa-Agosto Organization

Jose Figueroa Agosto, 46, is recognized as the leader of the largest drug trafficking organization in the Caribbean. His criminal activities came to a head on November 21, 2010, when he and 12 other members of his organization were arrested by ICE HSI agents. They faced a 12-count indictment that included charges of conspiracy to import narcotics into the United States, conspiracy to possess controlled substances with intent to distribute, and money laundering. The indictment also sought to forfeit proceeds from these offenses, amounting to an astonishing $100 million.

The Drug Trafficking Operations

The indictment details a sophisticated operation that began in 2005, wherein the defendants conspired to import multi-kilogram quantities of cocaine into Puerto Rico, primarily from the Dominican Republic. The organization was structured with various roles, including leaders, transporters, and facilitators, all working in concert to further their drug trafficking objectives. Key figures in the organization included José David Figueroa-Agosto, José Miguel Marrero Martell (aka Pito Nariz), Jorge Luis Figueroa-Agosto, and Eddy Brito.

The organization allegedly smuggled hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into Puerto Rico using private vessels, distributing the narcotics throughout Puerto Rico and the continental United States. Additionally, drug proceeds were reportedly smuggled back to the Dominican Republic in bulk cash quantities.

The Role of Transporters and Facilitators

The indictment outlines the roles of various co-conspirators who acted as transporters, responsible for moving narcotics into Puerto Rico via private motor vessels. Many of these transporters invested in luxury vessels specifically for drug transportation. Notable transporters included Diego Pérez Colón, Sixto Boschetti Dávila, and Kareem Boschetti Dávila, among others. Gerardo Amaro Rodríguez served as a facilitator, aiding in the placement, layering, and integration of the organization’s narcotics proceeds into legitimate financial systems.

Concealment Tactics

To obscure the origins of their illicit profits, the defendants employed various tactics, including the use of "straw owners" or "jockeys" to purchase assets. They utilized nominee bank accounts to deposit narcotics proceeds and made payments with cash and money orders to avoid detection by financial institutions and law enforcement. This elaborate scheme was designed to create the illusion of legitimate ownership and income.

Legal Consequences

Figueroa-Agosto faces serious charges under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise statute, which could result in a mandatory life sentence if convicted. The indictment alleges that he has been at the helm of this criminal enterprise since 1994, overseeing operations that involved the possession and distribution of cocaine across multiple countries and territories.

In addition to the current charges, Figueroa-Agosto was previously arrested in 2010 after evading capture for over a decade, during which he used false documents to escape from a Puerto Rico correctional facility. His arrest also included charges related to fraudulently obtaining a passport and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

Conclusion

The recent seizures in Puerto Rico highlight the ongoing battle against drug trafficking organizations and their attempts to launder money through luxury assets. As law enforcement agencies continue to target these networks, the message is clear: the fight against drug trafficking is far from over, and those involved will face the full weight of the law. The seizure of luxury items not only disrupts the financial operations of these organizations but also serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such criminal activities.