JEROME, Idaho — The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Idaho announced the takedown of a large-scale organized drug trafficking operation, which led to 19 people being arrested and charged.
Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies packed the Idaho State Police office in Jerome to announce the large-scale meth bust that has ties to California, Arizona and Mexico.
"As a result of the investigation, over 30 pounds of methamphetamine has been seized," U.S. Attorney for Idaho Josh Hurwit said. "And we believe a pipeline of methamphetamine coming into this community and this valley has been shut off."
Hurwit said the 30 pounds of meth that was seized equates to tens of thousands of doses taken off the streets.
Court records state several members of the operation traveled to California and Arizona to bring meth made in Mexico into Idaho.
"Quite frankly, in my mind, this should dissuade or make any high-level criminal organization second guess what they're going to do and if they're going to push their product here in Idaho," ISP Director Col. Bill Gardiner said.
Of the 19 people behind bars, 10 are being charged in a federal court, and the other nine were indicted at the state level. Those alleged to be involved in the operation are facing various charges - including conspiracy, possession and distribution of meth and cocaine.
Nearly every law enforcement agency in the Magic Valley was involved in the large-scale investigation, which started in 2023. State police and federal agencies were also involved, including the DEA.
"If it wasn't for the fantastic partnerships that we have here in Idaho, this case would have never happened," said Ron Deist, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for the DEA Spokane District.
Governor Brad Little said the bust sends a clear message: the drug epidemic is something that Idaho's law enforcement takes seriously.
"We want the message to be, if you're an international cartel based in Mexico, you don't want to send your guys to Idaho - because they're going to end up in prison," Governor Little said.
The following people have been charged with federal drug violations:
- Oscar Alejandro Perez-Gomes, 32, of Jerome:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, five counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Patrick Delacruz, 40, of Jerome:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Leonardo Espinoza-Romero, 31, of Jerome:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Daniel D. Thomas, 47, of Jerome:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
- Artemio Morgan Hurtado Jr., 34, of Shoshone:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, use of a communication facility to commit or facilitate a felony.
- Luis Enrique Gonzales, 40, of Jerome:
- Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jesus Arturo Torres-Herrera, 36, of Twin Falls:
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Raquel May, 28, of Twin Falls:
- Possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Robert Troglia, 52, of Jerome:
- Distribution of methamphetamine.
- Liliana Morales-Caliz, 34, of Jerome:
- Four counts of distribution of methamphetamine.