Irma Elvira Cruz, known by the aliases "Huzipol" and "Madre," has been extradited from Mexico to face charges in the United States. The 60-year-old was arraigned before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully import cocaine into the U.S. and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. stated, “Cruz allegedly played a critical role in the trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States.” He added that her extradition is significant for accountability regarding her alleged involvement in drug trafficking operations affecting local communities.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division, remarked on how drug traffickers exploit vulnerable community members for profit, emphasizing that cases like this highlight the DEA's commitment to holding such individuals accountable.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, which oversees Georgia and Alabama, noted that Cruz's extradition underscores a strong commitment to dismantling transnational criminal networks: “By targeting those who facilitate the flow of dangerous narcotics into our communities, we are sending a strong message that we will pursue justice across borders and hold traffickers accountable.”
In 2013, U.S. law enforcement identified a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization importing large quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into the U.S., also moving proceeds back to Mexico. Cruz was identified as an associate responsible for quality control testing of multi-kilogram shipments intended for delivery into the U.S., including Atlanta.
On September 3, 2015, Cruz allegedly traveled to Costa Rica to test cocaine purity at a stash house linked to this organization. Authorities seized approximately 321 kilograms of cocaine following these events.
The public is reminded that indictments contain only charges; Cruz is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
This case involves multiple agencies: Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), United States Coast Guard, United States Navy, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), United States Border Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Forsyth III and Elizabeth M. Hathaway are prosecuting with contributions from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Tarvin and coordination by the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs for Cruz’s arrest and extradition.
This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at high-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S., employing a prosecutor-led approach involving multiple agencies.
For more information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.