A federal grand jury has charged 14 individuals linked to the transnational criminal organization known as "La V" with drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and money laundering. The announcement was made by W. Stephen Muldrow, U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico.
The indictment, filed on September 25, 2025, targets members of an organization based in Camuy, Puerto Rico. Two defendants, Victor Hernandez and Yamil González-Vargas, remain fugitives. Authorities have asked anyone with information about their whereabouts to contact Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) through its San Juan communication center or online tip form.
“One of our top priorities continues to be the disruption and dismantling of violent drug trafficking organizations, at every level,” said U.S. Attorney Muldrow. “The result of this joint operation, with the collaboration of our state counterparts, shows our commitment to making our communities safer.”
Rebecca González-Ramos, Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Juan (Puerto Rico & U.S. Virgin Islands), stated: “We will not allow drug smugglers, money launderers, and weapons traffickers, to threaten the safety of our communities. HSI is focused in identifying criminal networks that fuel violence, destabilize neighborhoods, and prey on our children and families. The message is clear, we will continue to strike at every level these organizations, cutting off their profits, seizing their weapons and ensuring that those responsible face justice.”
According to court documents and the superseding indictment, Emilio Lopez-Vargas led La V from 2021 until September 2025. The group allegedly imported hundreds of kilograms of cocaine from the Dominican Republic into Puerto Rico using boats equipped with hidden compartments. Some cocaine was distributed within Puerto Rico; other shipments were sent to the continental United States using a global logistics company and the U.S. Postal Service.
Employees from both organizations allegedly assisted in protecting these shipments destined for the mainland United States. Once there, members would mix cocaine with adulterants before repackaging it for sale.
The indictment also alleges that firearms were transported from Puerto Rico to the Dominican Republic via vessels operated by La V members as part of their operations.
Law enforcement seized approximately 203 kilograms of cocaine from packages where Axel Manuel Cardec-Lugo acted as courier while working for a global logistics company.
If convicted on drug charges alone, defendants face a minimum sentence of ten years up to life imprisonment; those charged with possession of machineguns in furtherance of drug trafficking could receive thirty years to life consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations across the country.
All accused are subject to narcotics forfeiture allegations totaling $11 million tied to properties listed in court filings related to ongoing criminal enterprise activities.
An indictment is an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
