The FBI, under the leadership of Kash Patel, arrested 14 members of the Anti-Tren gang—a violent offshoot of Venezuela’s notorious Tren de Aragua—on June 30 in Houston, Texas.
The gang members were in the U.S. illegally and are facing charges of drug trafficking and firearms violations, according to a Department of Justice press release.
The DOJ confirmed the suspects were involved in a cocaine smuggling scheme:
“Two criminal complaints charge 14 Anti-Tren members and associates with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. According to the allegations, two groups of individuals agreed to transport kilogram quantities of cocaine in exchange for $15,000 for each load with each group accepting half as payment in advance.”
If convicted, the suspects face life in prison and up to $10 million in fines.
Five of the men may face an additional 15 years behind bars for gun crimes.
Tied to Mass Shooting
Among those arrested is Jose Miguel Briceno, a 25-year-old Venezuelan national tied to a mass shooting at a
Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter
VIEW MORE NEWS