A federal criminal complaint charges seven people for their alleged roles in a fentanyl trafficking organization that investigators say distributed large quantities of the drug in the Las Vegas area.
The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in Las Vegas, alleges the organization operated from at least 2024 through August 2. Investigators allege Adrian Ortiz Moreno, also known as "El Apache," and Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro worked with five co-defendants in a continuing criminal enterprise that distributed 400 grams or more of fentanyl.
According to the complaint, Adrian Ortiz Moreno, Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro, Martin Castro Jr., David Romero Hernandez, Edgar Rosas, Juan Martinez Ramirez and Walter Estrada Carlos served as administrators, organizers, supervisors or leaders of the alleged operation, which involved possessing and distributing fentanyl.
Investigators executed search warrants at two homes on August 2. At one home, authorities said they recovered a substantial amount of cash, 12 firearms, including a gold-and-black semiautomatic firearm engraved with "EL APACHE", and semiautomatic rifles. At the second home, investigators recovered 36 wrapped packages they said were consistent with fentanyl packages previously seized from a vehicle, along with two semiautomatic pistols and a semiautomatic rifle.
Law enforcement also previously seized 40 kilograms of fentanyl and $200,000 in cash from vehicles operated by the alleged organization, according to the complaint.
The complaint charges Adrian Ortiz Moreno and Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro with continuing criminal enterprise and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Martin Castro Jr., David Romero Hernandez, Edgar Rosas, Juan Martinez Ramirez and Walter Estrada Carlos are charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. Adrian Ortiz Moreno, Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro and Walter Estrada Carlos also are charged with possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, while Martin Castro Jr. faces an additional firearm charge.
Four defendants made their initial court appearances Tuesday; three were ordered held in custody.
If convicted, the defendants could face sentences of up to life in prison. Any sentence would be determined by the court after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.
The investigation was conducted by the Las Vegas Homeland Security Task Force, which includes Homeland Security Investigations, the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service and the Nevada Gaming Commission. The U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada is prosecuting the case.
