ODESSA, TX (KWES) - State, Local and federal officials have been investigating the meth ring operation since August of last year. They have made 22 arrests so far, but say they are still looking for suspects.
Authorities believe two brothers, Moises and Jose Ramirez, were running the ring throughout the city of Odessa, northern districts of Texas, northern California and Oregon.
Tuesday morning, law enforcement made seven more arrests in connection with the ring. The investigation began when the DEA in Portland sent a tip to the Midland DEA office.
Authorities found that the operation was smuggling crystal meth and liquid meth from Mexico for distribution in the Permian Basin. They were also transporting the meth to Portland and northern California.
Since August authorities have ceased 13 pounds of methamphetamine and 10 firearms. The ring is also accused of bringing hydroponic marijuana from Oregon for distribution in the area.
"It's not something that historically we have seen a lot here in the Midland-Odessa Area. Usually the organizations we see here are organizations whose criminal activity is exclusive to this part of Texas," said Special Agent Will Glaspy of the U.S. DEA.
The investigation into the ring was conducted by DEA agents in Midland, El Paso, and Oregon with assistance from the Midland County Sheriff's Office, Midland Police Department, Ector County Sheriff's Office, DPS and Homeland Security Investigations.
The seven people arrested today along with 15 others have been charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. They could be facing anywhere between 10 to life in federal prison.
Police say they are still searching for others involved.
51-year-old John Flores of Odessa
39-year-old Julian Ruiz of Odessa
49-year-old Bonnie Aguilar of Odessa
35-year-old Argentina Lujan of Odessa
29-year-old Raul Gardea of Odessa
39-year-old Toby Eaton of Odessa
37-year-old Deidra Elaine Acosta of Odessa
39-year-old Mauro Delgado of Odessa
41-year-old Paul Levario of Odessa
19-year-old Oscar Escudero of Odessa
21-year-old Manuel Perez of Odessa
21-year-old Juan Daniel Vega of Odessa
26-year-old Raul Robles of Odessa
36-year-old Janet Perez of Cornelius, Oregon
63-year-old Jose Luis Miranda Ramirez of El Paso
62-year-old Mercedes Garcia De Ramirez of El Paso
43-year-old Henry Andrade Sr. of El Paso
30-year-old Monica Del Carmen Berumen Lopez of El Paso
38-year-old Martin Llanez of Odessa
26-year-old Chastity Grooms of Odessa
