In a major federal case, a Mexican man named Jose Omar Vargas-Duque, 39 years old, has pleaded guilty to serious crimes involving illegal drugs and money laundering. This announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans on November 27, 2024, after Vargas appeared before United States District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo. The crimes took place across several states, including Louisiana, and involved dangerous drugs like cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl.
This case is a part of a special operation to stop powerful criminal organizations that smuggle drugs and move illegal money across borders.
Drug Trafficking on a Large Scale
Jose Omar Vargas-Duque was found guilty of being part of a drug trafficking group that distributed massive amounts of illegal substances. These substances included:
- Cocaine: Five kilograms or more.
- Heroin: One kilogram or more.
- Fentanyl: Four hundred grams or more, which is enough to make tens of thousands of lethal doses.
Vargas and his team smuggled these drugs across state lines and within the Eastern District of Louisiana. They even traveled between New Orleans and other states, helping to transport money and drugs for a dangerous Drug Trafficking Organization. The drugs were later shipped from Louisiana to Mexico, creating a chain of crime that affected communities on both sides of the border.
The law Vargas violated is the Controlled Substances Act, which regulates drugs that have a high risk of abuse and addiction. For this crime, Vargas faces a minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, but he could spend the rest of his life behind bars. He could also be fined up to $10 million, have at least five years of strict supervision after release, and must pay a special fee of $100.
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Money Laundering to Hide the Crime
Vargas also admitted to money laundering, which means he helped move illegal money to hide where it came from. This crime is punishable under a law that deals with “monetary instruments,” such as cash, bank transfers, or property used to disguise illegal activities.
The investigation revealed that Vargas and his co-conspirators made regular trips to transport large sums of U.S. currency. This money, earned through drug sales, was moved from Louisiana to Mexico to support their criminal organization.
For this second crime, Vargas could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of $500,000, three years of supervised release, and another $100 special assessment fee.
A Team Effort to Stop Criminal Networks
This prosecution is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) program. The program is designed to take down the most dangerous drug traffickers, gangs, and international criminal groups. It uses intelligence, teamwork, and resources from federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.
The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from its New Orleans Field Office, with the help of many other agencies, including:
- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- U.S. Border Patrol
- Local police departments from cities like Kenner, Gretna, and New Orleans
- Sheriff’s offices from Jefferson Parish, Orleans Parish, and St. John’s Parish
Assistant U.S. Attorney Lynn E. Schiffman from the Narcotics Unit is handling the case. Her efforts, along with the agencies involved, aim to disrupt and dismantle dangerous criminal networks like the one Vargas was part of.
This case highlights how multiple agencies work together to protect communities from the devastating effects of drug trafficking and money laundering. For now, Jose Omar Vargas-Duque is awaiting sentencing, and justice is being served.
