NEWARK, N.J. — A citizen of Peru was extradited to the United States on narcotics importation conspiracy and attempt charges following a federal investigation.
Roque Rafael Martinez Cubas aka Ever Arteaga, 51, made his initial appearance Sept. 4 at the U.S. District Court for the District of New Jersey in Newark. Cubas is charged by indictment with one count of conspiracy to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine for unlawful importation and with one count of attempt to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine for unlawful importation into the United States.
“This joint investigation disrupted a prolific drug trafficking organization’s supply chain by dismantling distribution routes from Peru to the United States,” said HSI Newark acting Special Agent in Charge William S. Walker. “The success we share with our partnering federal agencies and prosecutors underscores HSI’s worldwide strategy to counter threats posed by dangerous narcotics. Most importantly, comprehensive investigations into transnational criminal organizations bring about real and positive change to our communities and safeguard our neighbors from the dangers of criminal activities associated with these organizations.”
HSI Newark partnered with special agents and task force officers of the FBI Newark, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration’s New Jersey Division and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration in Lima, Peru, on the investigation leading to the charges. The Peruvian National Police Special Investigations Unit, the Peruvian National Prosecutor General’s Office, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations Newark field office, the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, the Town of Dover Police Department and the New Jersey National Guard’s Counterdrug Unit supported the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided substantial assistance in securing the arrest of Cubas and his extradition to the United States.
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