Eight people have been indicted by a federal grand jury in Puerto Rico on charges related to drug trafficking and kidnapping, according to an announcement made by W. Stephen Muldrow, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, and Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office.
The indictment, returned on July 17, 2025, names Bryan Martínez-Albizu, Santiago Nieves-Hernández, Yoel Gómez-Gómez, and five individuals identified as FNU / LNU (First Name Unknown / Last Name Unknown), some with aliases Richard and Rochi. According to court documents, these individuals are accused of conspiring to possess with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine between May 20 and May 24, 2025.
Five defendants—FNU / LNU #1 through #5—also face kidnapping charges stemming from events alleged to have occurred on May 21, 2025. The indictment claims that S.N.H. and Y.G.G. were unlawfully seized and held for ransom using vehicles such as a Toyota RAV4 and Nissan SUV along with cellular phones as part of the operation.
“These defendants will be brought to justice through the hard work of federal and state law enforcement agents and our prosecutors,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “The actions by those drug traffickers involved in the kidnapping and brutal torture of the kidnapped victims have no place in civilized society and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Our office and law enforcement partners rely on those in our community who are willing to assist in making our streets safer. Anyone with information regarding the defendants charged in this case should contact the FBI.”
“This case shows the brutal violence that thrives in criminal networks—and how far they’ll go to harm even their own. What started as a failed drug deal became a gruesome kidnapping,” said Devin J. Kowalski, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s San Juan Field Office. “Whatever the threat, the FBI responds with urgency because every life matters. I’m proud of the brave agents who risked their lives and the investigative team who unraveled this case. Let this be a warning to the thugs: the FBI won’t be fooled, and we’ll use every resource to dismantle you and your crew. Operation Summer Heat should’ve made that clear. If it didn’t—here’s your reminder: If you terrorize our communities or think you can outsmart justice, you’re wrong. We’re coming.”
If convicted on drug conspiracy charges involving more than half a kilogram of cocaine—a violation under federal narcotics statutes—the accused could receive at least five years up to forty years imprisonment; those convicted for kidnapping could face up to life imprisonment if found guilty by a federal district court judge.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Julian Radzinschi is leading prosecution efforts for this case from within the Violent Crimes Unit.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is handling primary investigative responsibilities with support from local authorities at Puerto Rico Police Bureau.
All individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
