81 Charged in Puerto Rico Drug Trafficking Investigation

U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche (C) gives a news conference about people charged in the takedown of Puerto Rican drug gang “Los Baja Deo” (LBD) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on Aug. 27, 2026. Stephanie Rojas/AP Photo

A federal grand jury in Puerto Rico has charged 81 alleged members of Los Baja Deo (LBD) with drug trafficking and, in some cases, firearms crimes after a multiyear investigation of the group’s operations on the island’s west side.

The Aug. 19 indictment accuses the Mayagüez-based organization of distributing heroin, fentanyl, cocaine base (crack), cocaine, and marijuana since 2021. Twenty-one of the defendants are also charged with possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug-trafficking crime.

The FBI and Puerto Rico Police Department arrested 70 of the 81 defendants Wednesday. Prosecutors say LBD ran drug points in and around public housing projects and neighborhoods across Mayagüez, including Sábalo Gardens, Cuesta Las Piedras, Yagüez, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Columbus Landing, Jardines de Concordia, Monte Isleño, and Mar y Sol, as well as nearby wards and sectors.

Acting U.S. Attorney Héctor Ramírez-Carbó for the District of Puerto Rico said the group maintained operations in 23 public housing projects and communities, “virtually throughout” the city.

The Justice Department estimates that during the alleged conspiracy, the organization distributed at least 340 kilograms of fentanyl or fentanyl-laced narcotics and at least 2,200 kilograms of cocaine, generating more than $49 million. Investigators seized 21 firearms.

The indictment also alleges members sent drugs to the U.S. mainland through the U.S. Postal Service and coordinated sales with two-way radios, cell phones, instant messaging, and social media.

Among those charged are José Onairam Medina-Marrero, also known as “La O,” “Omayra,” and “Onairam”; Ulises Irizarry-Santiago, also known as “Viejo,” “Patrón,” and “Chapo”; Ramón Miguel Rodríguez-Pacheco, also known as “Piti” and “Ramón el Gordo”; and Elizabeth Díaz-Fábregas, also known as “La Patrona.”

The indictment alleges members used shootings, kidnappings, murders, and other violence when they believed the organization was threatened.

If convicted on the drug charges, the defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison. Those convicted of both drug and firearms counts face a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of life. Prosecutors also seek forfeiture of more than $49.7 million.

Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the charges Thursday in San Juan.

“These 81 defendants are alleged drug traffickers of ‘Los Baja Deo’ … who maintained a steady supply of highly addictive and potentially lethal substances that endangered the community,” Blanche said. He said Homeland Security Task Forces would continue targeting cartels, gangs, and other criminal organizations.

Ramírez-Carbó said the arrests were meant to take violent gangs out of Mayagüez neighborhoods. FBI Director Kash Patel said the case also involved a pipeline of drugs sent to the mainland by mail. The FBI’s San Juan office said the investigation was based in Aguadilla and used SWAT teams and other tactical units.

The charges are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless convicted.