Heroin Trafficking Ring Dismantled

TUCSON - Attorney General Mark Brnovich announced the takedown of a heroin trafficking ring that stretched from Arizona to Ohio. A State Grand Jury indicted Gabino Viramontes, Maurice Hawks, Catalina Barrera-Cruz, Ana Cabanillas, Maria Duron, Humberto Villanueva, and Mayra Villanueva for their alleged involvement in the drug trafficking ring.

The 7 defendants were indicted on 68 counts including Sale of a Narcotic Drug, Possession of a Dangerous Drug for Sale, Money Laundering, Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, Forgery, Illegally Conducting an Enterprise, and Illegal Control of an Enterprise.

The charges are based on an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Phoenix Field Division into heroin trafficking from Tucson to Ohio. An FBI investigation allegedly found large amounts of heroin, cocaine, and testosterone at a home. The defendants are also accused of laundering more than $650,000 in cash to conceal their income to fraudulently obtain food stamps and medical coverage.

All Defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.