Seven people face charges in Las Vegas for their alleged roles in a fentanyl drug trafficking organization, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.
Homeland Security Investigations prepared a criminal complaint, which was filed in Las Vegas, alleging that from at least 2024 to August 2, 2026, Adrian Ortiz Moreno, also known as “El Apache,” a Mexican national, and Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro, a Mexican national and lawful permanent resident of the United States, conspired with their co-defendants to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl, according to the DOJ.
According to the DOJ, Adrian Ortiz Moreno, Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro, Martin Castro, Jr., David Romero Hernandez, Edgar Rosas, Juan Martinez Ramirez, a Mexican national, and Walter Estrada Carlos, a Mexican national, were allegedly principal administrators, organizers, supervisors, or leaders of the criminal enterprise, which involved the possession with intent to distribute and distribution of fentanyl.
On August 2, law officers served two search warrants at two homes. Police discovered a “substantial amount” of cash, 12 firearms, including a gold and black semi-automatic firearm engraved with “EL APACHE,” as well as semi-automatic rifles, according to the DOJ.
Law officers discovered 36 wrapped bundles, which were consistent with the packages containing fentanyl located in a vehicle, as well as two semi-automatic pistols and a semi-automatic rifle.
Law enforcement previously confiscated 40 kilograms of fentanyl and $200,000 in cash from vehicles allegedly operated by the gang, according to the DOJ.
“Fentanyl trafficking at this scale poses a direct threat to public safety and homeland security,” stated Jonathan Sherwin, Deputy Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Las Vegas. “The seizure of huge amounts of Fentanyl, guns, and illicit proceeds highlights the threat that these criminal organizations pose to our community. Homeland Security Investigations and our law enforcement partners, working together as the HSTF, will continue to disrupt and dismantle the networks that transport deadly narcotics via Nevada and beyond.
Ortiz Moreno and Moreno De Castro are charged with one count of continuing criminal enterprise and one count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, while Castro Jr., Hernandez, Rosas, Ramirez, and Carlos are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
Ortiz Moreno, Moreno De Castro, and Carlos are each charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute a prohibited substance, while Castro, Jr. is charged with one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking felony.
Four of the accused made their first appearance in court on Tuesday. According to the DOJ, three were remanded into detention.
If convicted, the maximum statutory sentence is life in prison.
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