By Andy Sevilla

Two Kyle residents were among 34 individuals arrested and charged in connection with  an alleged Austin-based cocaine and methamphetamine distribution operation, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. 

Federal and state authorities arrested 24 individuals on Oct. 15, including Gervacio Morales, 31, and Valeria Cuenca, 23, both of Kyle, in an alleged 16 month-long, statewide drug distribution operation, according to court documents and a statement by federal law enforcement officers. 

Among those arrested last week also were Austin lawyers Richard Patrick Fagerberg, 45, and David Ramos, 39. Ten other suspects already were in custody before the Oct. 15 arrests. 

“Nothing is more important than the safety and security of our communities,” said Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge (Houston Division) Joseph M. Arabit. “DEA, and our federal, state and local law enforcement partners in Austin and throughout Texas, will remain relentless in our pursuit of the vicious criminal individuals and drug trafficking organizations who threaten our safety and stability.”

Both Morales and Cuenca were indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, according to federal grand jury indictments unsealed Oct. 16. Morales also is facing four charges of substantive possession with intent to deliver, and Cuenca is facing three charges of substantive possession with intent to deliver.

“These arrests send a strong and unified message that these crimes will not be tolerated in our communities and those who commit these offenses will be brought to justice,” Arabit said.

During the 16-month long operation, authorities have seized about 87 kilograms of cocaine and two kilograms of methamphetamine, four firearms, and close to $1.5 million in criminally derived assets in connection with the investigation, according to the indictments.

“Organized crime and drug trafficking are a serious threat to public safety in Texas, and DPS vigilantly works alongside our law enforcement partners to detect, deter and dismantle drug trafficking organizations operating in our communities,” DPS Regional Commander Freeman Martin said. 

Most of the arrested suspects were from the Austin area, though others lived in Texas’ Valley, including in San Benito, Pharr and Brownsville. The alleged drug operation also involved a 49-year-old suspect who lives in Debray, Florida, according to court documents.

“This long-term investigation is an ideal example of how law enforcement at all levels works together to put suspected criminals behind bars and protect Texans,” Martin said. 

According to the indictments, Morales’ and Cuenca’s alleged involvement in the drug distribution ring dates back to October 2013. If convicted, both face between 10 years to life in prison.