Omar Cuenca-Marino, a 41-year-old from Guerrero, Mexico, has been extradited to Georgia to face federal charges. He appeared before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard on charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and unlawful importation of methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin into the United States, as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering. Cuenca-Marino is alleged to have led the Los Rojos Mexican Drug Cartel and was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2016.
Acting United States Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr., stated that "robust law enforcement partnerships" and "a resilient determination" led to Cuenca-Marino's extradition and charges. Steven N. Schrank of HSI Atlanta emphasized that this arrest represents progress in U.S. efforts against drug trafficking cartels: "This case sends a clear message that we... will not tolerate those who seek to profit from the distribution of dangerous narcotics."
Jae W. Chung of the DEA Atlanta Division noted the agency's commitment: “The success of this investigation demonstrates DEA will use all of its resources to destroy drug distribution networks.” Demetrius Hardeman from IRS Criminal Investigation highlighted the impact of cartels: “Drug cartels have caused the death of many people in the United States and Mexico through violence and the distribution of illegal drugs.”
According to Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, an investigation revealed that between 2013 and 2016, a Mexican cartel imported large quantities of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the U.S., with Cuenca-Marino allegedly overseeing operations from Mexico.
Significant seizures include:
- October 11, 2013: Seizure in Vinings and Hiram, Georgia - approximately 75 kg methamphetamine, 23 kg heroin, 47 kg cocaine.
- November 20, 2015: Seizure in Duluth, Georgia - 76 packages of cocaine.
- February 9, 2016: $425,900 found in Phelps County Missouri; linked back to Cuenca-Marino.
It is important for readers to note that an indictment contains only charges; Cuenca-Marino is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
The case involves multiple agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), among others.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herskowitz is prosecuting with assistance from former Assistant U.S. Attorneys Nicholas Hartigan and Michael J. Brown.
This prosecution forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aiming at dismantling significant criminal organizations through collaborative multi-agency efforts.
For more information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or call (404) 581-6280.