Scorpion Stings

Overview of Operation Alacran (Scorpion)
 

During the summer of 2002 the Bexar County District Attorney's Office was approached by Texas DPS and DEA to do a State wiretap.  A joint investigation was begun.  On June 14, 2002, Susan Reed applied for permission to wiretap two telephone lines for 30 days.  This was the first application filed in Bexar County in approximately 10 years.  Judge Sharon MacRae signed the order on June 14, 2002.  The Affidavit supporting the wiretap was signed by Texas DPS Narcotics Officer Frank Perez, it was 70 pages long.

Law Enforcement were "up" on the wiretap (listening to phones) for less than 30 days.  On July 1, 2002, two individuals were arrested with approximately 19 kilos of cocaine.  The cocaine was seized from a vehicle, which had an elaborate electronic compartment.  The Defendants were placed under arrest, made bond, and the District Attorney's Office sought and did have their bonds increased.  They are now fugitives.  Because of information developed through the state wiretaps, it was decided to seek federal wiretaps.

On July 25, 2002, based upon information gleaned during the investigation and the State wiretap, law enforcement executed 5 State Search warrants on 5 different locations.  Computer, cell phones and other valuable evidence was obtained.
 

• 4 Assault type weapons and a large amount of ammunition; Numerous rubber bands, packaging and wrapping materials
• One money counter machine
• Three cellular telephones
• Numerous heat sealers machines and heat sealing bags
• 2002 Ford F150 Crew Cab 4X4
• Several Drug ledgers and documents reflecting the drug related activities and telephone numbers involved with organization.
   

Also on August 28, 2002, approximately $200,000 in cash was seized in Eagle Pass.

Highlights of the investigation to Date

                             120 kilos of cocaine seized

                             Approximately $521,000 in cash seized

                             28 Firearms seized (17 Assault Weapons, 11 handguns)

                             18 Defendants arrested

                             25 Vehicles seized

Logs seized at a San Antonio stash house show that between July 2001 and June 2002, 1322 kilos of cocaine moved through the house.  Approximately $21,949.000.00 (twenty one million, nine hundred and forty nine thousand dollars exchanged hands.

Presently, 1 kilo of cocaine markets for $17,000.00

Bexar County Justice Center * 300 Dolorosa, Fifth Floor * San Antonio, Texas 78205-3030 (210) 335-2311

 For Victim Assistance call (210) 335-2105