Reagan T. Fondren Acting United States Attorney for the Western District Of Tennessee | U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee
Five individuals in western Tennessee face federal charges following an investigation into an alleged drug trafficking operation involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and marijuana. The unsealed indictments result from a two-year investigation led by the FBI's Transnational Organized Crime Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration, along with local law enforcement agencies, including the Selmer Police Department, McNairy County Sheriff's Office, Adamsville Police Department, Bolivar Police Department, and Jackson Police Department. Joseph C. Murphy, Jr., Interim United States Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, disclosed the indictments' unsealing.
The court documents reveal that from April 2023 to March 2025, the accused coordinated to distribute illegal substances across West Tennessee. The organization reportedly collaborated with the Sinaloa cartel, extending its influence to McNairy County and Memphis. The Sinaloa cartel, a powerful drug trafficking entity from Sinaloa, Mexico, was labeled a foreign terrorist organization and Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2025. It is recognized for producing and trafficking significant quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the U.S.
During the operation, law enforcement seized substantial amounts of drugs, cash, and a firearm. The seized items include 10 kilograms of cocaine, over 16 pounds of methamphetamine, 30,000 fentanyl pills, roughly 40 pounds of marijuana, approximately $21,000 in cash, and a firearm. This action is connected to "Operation Take Back America."
In March 2025, a federal grand jury indicted the five individuals. All face charges related to conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. Four of them are charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, and three face charges related to marijuana distribution. Additional charges include the distribution of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl, and one defendant is accused of illegal possession of a firearm while being unlawfully present in the U.S.
The indicted individuals are: Juan Palomino from Selmer, Tennessee; Joaquin Elizalde from Selmer, Tennessee; Javier Varela from Byhalia, Mississippi; Luis Lizarraga from Memphis, Tennessee; and David Asua from Memphis, Tennessee.
Special Agent Joseph E. Carrico of the FBI Nashville Field Office remarked, "These defendants took part in a conspiracy that exposed our communities to significant amounts of Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, and Marijuana.” McNairy County Sheriff Guy Buck expressed appreciation for the agencies involved, underscoring the significance of the investigation.
The case falls under "Operation Take Back America," which focuses on combating cartel and transnational criminal organization activities and safeguarding communities from violence. It is prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Christie Hopper and Greg Allen, with investigative contributions from several law enforcement agencies.
Authorities remind the public that the charges are accusations, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
For additional information, contact USATNW.Media@usdoj.gov. Updates are also available on the U.S. Attorney’s Office's social media channels.
