15 arrested for distributing 'meth' in Austin

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Bag of Methamphetamine taken in drug bust (Image Credit: DPS)

According to a press release from the Texas Department of Public Safety 15 people were arrested in connection to the distribution of methamphetamines in the Greater Austin area. 

Read the official press release below...

DPS Arrests Suspects in Austin Methamphetamine Distribution Investigation

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)  arrested 15 suspects and served one search warrant as the result of an eight-month investigation into the distribution of methamphetamines by gang members in the Austin area.

The investigation, which launched in October 2015 by the DPS Criminal Investigations Division Special Agents, focused on Texas Syndicate and Tango Blast prison gang members believed to be distributing methamphetamines in the greater Austin area.

As a result of the warrants served, officers seized $1,200 in currency, one and a half pounds of methamphetamines and three weapons.

DPS Special Agents, Highway Patrol Troopers, SWAT and Aircraft Operations, along with the  Austin Police Department, arrested the following suspects on charges of criminal conspiracy, engaging in organized criminal activity and the manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance.  All the suspects were transported and booked into the Travis County jail:

  1. Frank Dones, 37, Austin
  2. Juan Esparza Colis, 21, Austin
  3. Lucy Elias, 36, Austin
  4. Carlos Nerio, 39, Austin
  5. Harrell Mitchell, 35, Austin
  6. Miguel Martinez, 23, Austin
  7. Octavio Villarruel 28, Austin
  8. Patrick Lilly, 37, Austin
  9. Nicole Shirley, 28, Austin
  10. Roxanne Barker, 37, Austin
  11. Vincent Gonzales, 32, Austin
  12. Kinnet Carter, 58 Austin
  13. Michael Nagel, 37 Austin
  14. Gerardo Zavala, 20 Austin
  15. Fernando Davila, 32 Austin