In a huge drug raid, 180 law enforcement officers of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Omaha Police Department, Nebraska State Patrol, Bellevue Police Department, LaVista Police Department, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Office arrested 12 persons connected with a large Omaha drug ring.

Nine of the twelve were arrested on Federal charges. They were:

• Guillermo Monarrez, age 25, 4015 Marcy Street, Omaha
• Yajaira Monarrez, age 19, 4015 Marcy Street, Omaha
• Miguel Diaz, age 25, 2522 Jefferson Street, Omaha
• Daniel Drews, age 20, 4830 S. 137th Street, #20, Omaha
• Alex Brablec, age 24, rested at hotel at 11601 Dodge Street, Omaha
• Jorge Flores, age 22, 1441 Madison Street, Omaha
• Israel Mendoza, age 22, 2962 Poppleton Street, Omaha
• Albert Rodrigues-Ruiz, age 26, 12130 Anne Street #7, Omaha
• David Monarrez, age 28, Omaha

Three others were arrested on state charges, those included:

• Amy Waits, age 35, 1702 P Street, Omaha
• Matt Salcedo, age 41, 3403 X Street, Omaha
• Roxanna Padilla, age 23, 6705 S. 83rd Street, Omaha

“Thanks to the cooperation of the many federal, state, and local law enforcement officers involved in this operation, today’s takedown has struck a major blow against the drugs and violence in Omaha. As a result of today’s takedown, and the accompanying seizure of drugs and firearms, the city of Omaha is a little bit safer.” Special Agent in Charge Weysan Dunn announced, “The arrests symbolize the FBI’s pledge to combat violent gangs by utilizing federal resources to help crackdown the drug trafficking and criminal activity in the Omaha area. This coordinated effort is but one more solid step in the process of taking back our communities and giving young people the chance to make important life changing choices, alternatives to the often short-lived gratification that membership in a gang offers.”

“The operation exemplifies what cooperation and collaboration between agencies can do to make a positive difference in our community,” said Omaha Police Chief Alex Hayes. “We will continue our efforts working together with community partners and various agencies to make Omaha safe.”