FBI uncovers drug network with "franchise" structure following arrest in Morovis residential complex
The FBI exposed a drug trafficking operation structured like a business with "corporate management" and franchise-type branches. The case emerged following an arrest in Morovis involving drugs, weapons and $1,360 in cash.
Drug operation with franchise structure uncovered in Puerto Rico
A multi-year federal investigation became publicly exposed following an arrest made by police in the Tomás Sorrolla residential complex in Morovis, according to elnuevodia.com.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) detailed in a complaint filed with the Federal Court in San Juan that the investigation began in 2022 to document "the criminal activities of a violent gang" allegedly dedicated to drug trafficking in the Ojo de Agua sector of Vega Baja.
"The investigation has revealed that the gang has a 'de facto' 'corporate management' that oversees the organisation's branches, which operate in a manner similar to a 'franchise'", states the sworn declaration of an FBI agent accompanying the complaint. One of those branches, according to the document, operated precisely in the Morovis residential complex.
Arrest on 18 September
On 18 September, FBI agents were informed that police had executed a search and seizure warrant at the complex. Officers from the Drug Division of the Arecibo police region intervened in an apartment in building seven, where they arrested John Jeffrey Morales after finding drugs and weapons inside a bundle located between the bed and a bedside table.
According to the complaint, at least one of the two weapons found had been illegally modified to fire automatically.
Police specified on their social media the seizure: two pistols—a Glock model 22 calibre .40 and a Taurus model G3 calibre 9mm—five magazines, 85 rounds of .40 calibre ammunition, 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, eight rounds of .22 calibre ammunition, 1,302 crack capsules, 181 bags of crack, 25 bags of cocaine, 60 decks of heroin, 20 pills and $1,360 in cash.
The police force also indicated that "Morales is listed as a person of interest for the Arecibo Homicide Division", without providing further details in this regard.
Statements from the accused and next judicial steps
When interviewed by FBI agents, Morales stated he lived alone in the apartment, acknowledged that both pistols were his property and admitted that the drugs were intended for sale at a point located in the same place.
Federal magistrate Gielle López Soler authorised the arrest on charges of weapons and controlled substances, and ordered that Morales remain detained until 5 October, the date set for the bail hearing and preliminary hearing, unless a grand jury issues a formal indictment before then.
Source: Google News PR — San Juan