Uvalde County, April 10, 2024 — Early Tuesday morning, Uvalde County saw a significant step forward in local law enforcement’s ongoing efforts to combat narcotics distribution. In a coordinated operation involving multiple agencies, two individuals were arrested under serious charges related to the sale of illegal substances.
The day’s operations began when Uvalde County Sheriff’s Deputies, R. Falcon and P. Calliham, were dispatched to a U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoint to apprehend a wanted individual, Felipe Canastuj Tiu, 30, on an outstanding DWI warrant from Travis County. Tiu was arrested without incident, confirming the warrant’s validity.
Later, at around 12:18 AM, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division (DPS CID), with the assistance of the Uvalde County Sheriff’s Office, executed a state residential search warrant targeting Alfredo Sotelo Pineda IV, 26, and Danielle Lisette Aviles-Zamora, 23. Both were identified as active narcotics distributors. The operation was successful, leading to the seizure of approximately 1.09 pounds of marijuana and over $5,000 in cash.
Charges laid against Pineda and Aviles-Zamora include Delivery of Marijuana in a quantity between 4 ounces and 5 pounds—a state jail felony—and Money Laundering. Aviles-Zamora faces an additional charge of tampering with physical evidence. Both were booked and subsequently handed over to jail staff without further incident.
Sheriff’s Statement on Ongoing Efforts: Since taking office, the Uvalde County Sheriff has emphasized a strong partnership approach with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to amplify resources aimed at curtailing criminal activities, especially narcotics distribution. “As your Sheriff, I am committed to disrupting the operations of criminal organizations that peddle narcotics in our community,” stated the Sheriff, reinforcing the department’s resolve to tackle drug-related crime head-on.
These arrests mark a significant victory in the local fight against drug distribution and underscore the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement efforts in Uvalde County. The community continues to look towards these partnerships for safety and security enhancements, reflecting a proactive approach to law enforcement and community engagement in tackling crime.
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