Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Irma Elvira Cruz, known as "Huzipol" and "Madre," has been arraigned in Atlanta on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully import cocaine into the United States and possession with intent to distribute. The 60-year-old from Mexico was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2017.
"Cruz allegedly played a critical role in the trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He emphasized that her extradition from Mexico is significant for holding her accountable for her alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division, remarked on the exploitation by drug traffickers: "Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits." He affirmed the DEA's commitment to accountability.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, highlighted the importance of international cooperation: "The extradition and arraignment...demonstrates the unwavering commitment...to dismantling transnational criminal networks."
The charges against Cruz relate to a Mexico-based organization identified between 2013 and 2016 as importing large quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into the United States. Cruz allegedly managed quality control testing for these shipments intended for distribution within U.S. borders.
An investigation revealed that on September 3, 2015, Cruz traveled to Costa Rica to test cocaine purity destined for delivery into the U.S., including Atlanta. Law enforcement later seized approximately 321 kilograms of cocaine linked to this operation.
Cruz remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The case involves multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration and Homeland Security Investigations among others. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Forsyth, III and Elizabeth M. Hathaway are leading prosecution efforts alongside former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Tarvin.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening national security through coordinated multi-agency efforts.
For more information contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
