News Summary
The Department of Justice has announced multi-million dollar rewards for information leading to the capture of Johnny and Jose Hurtado Olascoaga, brothers wanted for serious drug trafficking charges. Linked to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana cartel, the brothers are believed to be hiding in Mexico. The DOJ is offering up to $8 million for tips leading to their arrest, as authorities ramp up efforts to combat drug-related crimes in Georgia.
Department of Justice Offers Multi-Million Dollar Rewards for Arrest of Drug Cartel Brothers Linked to Trafficking in Georgia
Atlanta, Georgia – In a dramatic move aimed at tackling rampant drug trafficking, the Department of Justice has announced multi-million dollar rewards for crucial information leading to the arrest of two notorious brothers involved in illegal drug operations. The brothers, Johnny “Pez” Hurtado Olascoaga and Jose “Fresa” Alfredo Hurtado Olascoaga, are on the run and are believed to be hiding in Mexico.
Crimes and Allegations
The Hurtado brothers are wanted for a bevy of serious charges including conspiracy to manufacture, import, and distribute a cocktail of dangerous drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and fentanyl. They are also implicated in money laundering activities that have allowed them to profit immensely from their unlawful enterprises.
Connection to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana
Federal investigators have linked the brothers to the La Nueva Familia Michoacana (LNFM) Drug Cartel, recognized as a foreign terrorist organization. This cartel is notorious for its expansive drug trafficking operations across the United States, with the DEA estimating that they handle over 60 metric tons of Schedule I and II substances annually.
Reward Offerings
The stakes are high, with authorities offering up to $5 million for information leading to Johnny Olascoaga’s capture and an additional $3 million for tips regarding Jose Olascoaga. Individuals with relevant information are urged to reach out to the DEA at (404) 281-3220 or contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if they are overseas.
Recent Developments
A news conference held recently illuminated these pressing matters, and despite U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi’s anticipated visit to Atlanta, she was ultimately unable to attend. In total, a whopping $8 million is at stake for information leading to the brothers’ arrests and convictions.
Law Enforcement Crackdown
As part of a crackdown on the cartel, law enforcement agencies have made significant strides, displaying around 100 pounds of fentanyl, uncovering $300,000 in suspected drug proceeds, and seizing numerous firearms in recent operations which led to 22 arrests.
Additional Indictments
Another key figure in the investigation, Guadalupe Tabares Martinez from Mableton, Georgia, has also been indicted for her own alleged role in this intricate operation. Charged with conspiracy to commit international money laundering, she is accused of running an unlicensed money service business that funneled drug proceeds to cartel members in Mexico.
Ongoing Investigations
The investigation into the LNFM cartel, which began in 2021, highlights the serious nature of drug distribution methods employed in metro Atlanta. It is believed that the cartel has collaborated with various U.S.-based partners to facilitate the transportation of drugs across borders while laundering the illicit profits back to Mexico.
Conclusion
As the U.S. authorities remain committed to dismantling transnational criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking, the indictment of the Hurtado brothers sends a strong message about their determination to combat such operations. The efforts underscore the seriousness of the consequences experienced by communities affected by drug trafficking.
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Additional Resources
- WTVY: Feds Offering Multi-Million Dollar Rewards
- Wikipedia: Drug Cartel
- ABC News: Mexican Drug Cartel Leaders Charged
- Google Search: Drug Trafficking
- Atlanta News First: DOJ Announces Major Developments
- Google Scholar: Drug Cartels
- The Georgia Sun: Mexican Cartel Leaders Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Drug Trafficking
- News 4 JAX: Live Attorney General Pam Bondi
- Google News: Mexican Drug Cartels
Author: STAFF HERE ATLANTA WRITER
The ATLANTA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAtlanta.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Atlanta, Fulton County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as vibrant music festivals like Shaky Knees and Music Midtown, major cultural celebrations including Dragon Con and the Atlanta Film Festival, and iconic sporting events like the Peachtree Road Race. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, beverages, and retail that power the local economy such as Delta Air Lines, The Coca-Cola Company, and The Home Depot. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAugusta.com and HERESavannah.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Georgia's dynamic landscape.
