FBI meth bust in Longview

by PegNews wire

The tentacles of "Operation Icebox" extend all the way to Dallas.

TYLER — Anyone in the meth trade in Tyler ought to seriously think about shutting it down and blowing town, as a combined task force of federal, state, and local law professionals is swooping in on in a major meth ring in east Texas.

United States Attorney Matthew D. Orwig announced today that law enforcement officers began executing 14 federal arrest warrants charging defendants with possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The warrants are being served in Longview, Upshur County, and Dallas, Texas. Two defendants are already in state custody.

It's part of an ongoing investigation dating to January 2003 into the distribution of Aice@ methamphetamine in East Texas. Dubbed "Operation Icebox", it has netted numerous undercover purchases and seizures of both drugs and guns.

Those arrested Saturday are Esteban Roblez Solis, Jr., 37, Leroy Rodriguez, Jr., 27, and Andres Saenz Reyna, 35, all of Dallas; Billy Dean Driggers, 36 of Longview; Hunter Quin Tillery, 26 of Gilmer; and Eric Chad Aaron, 26 of Gladewater.

"For over four years, federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies have worked around the clock to eradicate the methamphetamine trade in East Texas," said U.S. Attorney Orwig. "Operation Icebox continues to be a proven success."

The cases are being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Gregg County District Attorney’s Office, the Longview Police Department and the Gregg County CODE Unit. The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Richard L. Moore.

Source: Dallas FBI

Posted by T.G.