After a nearly two-year investigation into a drug trafficking operation that spanned multiple states, 10 people—including two MS-13 gang members—were indicted on a variety of federal charges. Authorities in West Virginia and Virginia searched more than a dozen properties. They seized 12.5 kilos of cocaine with an estimated street value of more than $800,000; 11 firearms; hundreds of rounds of ammunition; and more than $100,000 in cash.

"Parents can rest easier knowing guns, cash, and marijuana were taken off the streets their children play on every day," said Special Agent in Charge Bob Johnson. "But we know this isn’t the end of the problem. This is just a message to all the other drug dealers out there: this type of criminal enterprise will not be tolerated, and we are coming for you."

The FBI and its partners will continue to assess all potential gang and violent crime threats in the community. The amount of guns and drugs seized in this operation have a direct correlation to the violence we also see in this neighborhood and others. There is no question, drug trafficking is an inherently violent business. Violent crimes often times involve deadly weapons, drugs and drug trafficking. The root of many of these crimes is the drug problem.

Those indicted on multiple counts in connection with the alleged drug distribution operation are

• Rogelio Santacruz Godinez, also known as “Tramposo,” also known as “Trampa,” age 36, of Axton, Virginia, Citizen of Mexico
• Jose Alfredo Santacruz Godinez, also known as “Sandoval,” of Axton, Virginia, Citizen of Mexico
• Guadalupe Ibarra-Ayon, also known as “Lupe,” age 30, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, Citizen of Mexico
• Eduardo Hernandez Sanchez, also known as “Lalo,” age 42, of Kearneysville, West Virginia, Citizen of Mexico
• Suspected MS-13 Gang Member Jose Santiago Cruz-Delcid, also known as “Trucko,” also known as “Truckito,” age 38, of Bunker Hill, West Virginia, Citizen of El Salvador
• Confirmed MS-13 Gang Member Miguel Angel Cruz-Polanco, age 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Citizen of El Salvdaor
• Adam Gunn, II, age 30, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Adam Bensaid, age 19, of Martinsburg, West Virginia
• Rogelio Martinez-Rojas, age 34, of Martinsburg, West Virginia, Citizen of Mexico
• Kenneth Biermann-Ruz, also known as “Ruz,” also known as “Chile,” age 29, of Martinsburg, West Virginia

"I am grateful to the dedicated prosecutors in the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners who worked together throughout this investigation, and I’m confident each defendant will receive fair and impartial treatment through the federal court system as they face the allegations we are discussing," said Johnson.

This investigation was a collaborative effort between state, local, and federal agencies from multiple states. It highlights that when law enforcement agencies work together, we can be as effective in combating crime at every level.

The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Department of Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the United States Marshals Service; the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force, a HIDTA-funded initiative; the Potomac Highlands Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force; the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Force; the West Virginia State Police; the Virginia State Police; the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Office; the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office; the Martinsburg Police Department; the Charles Town Police Department; and the Ranson Police Department. Other agencies assisting in the investigation are the Winchester City Police Department; Frederick County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office; Pittsylvania County; Virginia Sheriff’s Office; and the Henry County, Virginia Sheriff’s Office.