November 2, 2007
For further Information
Contact: Special Agent Douglas S. Collier,
Public Information Officer
TEL: (973) 776-1143
CELL: (862) 849-9833
Narcotic Distribution Network Eliminated by Operation Honeycomb
A Cooperative Law Enforcement Effort
NOV 2  -- (NEWARK) - Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New Jersey Division and Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin, announced the successful completion of Operation Honeycomb. To date, there have been 47 individuals arrested for their roles in this multi-state narcotics enterprise network. Approximately 32 pounds of cocaine, over 6  pounds of heroin, 3 semiautomatic handguns and 1 revolver, 2 bullet proof vests, and approximately $95,0000 in U.S. Currency has been seized. The drugs seized have an estimated street value of well over one million dollars.
The investigation, coined "Operation Honeycomb," commenced in the fall of 2006, when an undercover officer purchased large quantities of cocaine from an individual within the organization. Additional investigative tools were then utilized to identify other members of the narcotics distribution network as well as their methods of operation.
Gerard P. McAleer, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA New Jersey Division stated, "Operation Honeycomb is a great example of cooperation among all law enforcement agencies, particularly the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office, which took a street level buy a year ago, to the dismantling of an organization that was responsible for transporting and distributing multiple kilograms of cocaine and heroin from California, Florida, and New York."
Monmouth County Prosecutor Luis A. Valentin stated, "This operation is a classic example of how successful partnerships with federal, state and local law enforcement can benefit our community. Operation Honeycomb successfully identified and arrested the local and national drug distributors and eliminated multiple sources of narcotics destined for the streets of Monmouth County." Prosecutor Valentin further commended all the participating agencies with their dedication and commitment to the investigation.
The following is an outline of significant arrests and seizures made during the investigation:
On August 5, 2007 Michael Smith and Barbara Miller were arrested in Long Branch, after they were found in possession of approximately 200 grams of cocaine.
On August 10, 2007 Tyson Abel was arrested in Ocean Township, after he was found in possession of approximately 9 pounds of cocaine.
On September 25, 2007 Luis Negron, Angel Aviles and Luis Maldonado were arrested in Newark, after they were found to be in possession of 2.2 pounds of cocaine. During a subsequent search of Negron's girlfriend Luz Torres' residence in Roselle, New Jersey, officers found another 4.4 pounds of cocaine. Torres was additionally charged.
On September 28, 2007 six key participants were arrested in connection with their roles in the network:
Ricardo Padro was arrested in West Long Branch and found to be in possession of a loaded 380-caliber handgun and approximately 1-ounce of cocaine. Padro is believed to be a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation street gang.
Tyson Abel and Katherine Russo were arrested at their residence in Neptune City. A lawful search of their residence resulted in the recovery of a loaded .38 caliber Beretta and 68 bricks of heroin (3400 bags).
Alejandro Burgos was arrested at his residence in Long Branch. At the time of his arrest, Burgos possessed two loaded handguns (a .45 caliber and a 9-mm), two bulletproof vests and approximately 7 ounces of cocaine. Burgos is believed to be a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation street gang.
Ramon Rodriguez, who has been documented by law enforcement as a member of the Almighty Latin King and Queen Nation, was arrested in Long Branch. At the time of his arrest, Rodriguez possessed approximately one-half ounce of cocaine.
Michael Smith was arrested at his residence in Neptune on complaints charging him with third degree Possession of Cocaine, first degree Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, first degree Distribution of Cocaine, and second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine.
On October 10, 2007, approximately $60,000 in U.S. currency was recovered from Martha Chispe, Stephanie Machaudo, Hector Carabali-Cevallos and Francisco Morales-Chispe in New York City.
On October 26, 2007, Martha Chispe, Stephanie Machaudo, and Hector Carabali-Cevallos were arrested in Mount Laurel, New Jersey, after the vehicle which was rented and driven from Florida was stopped on the New Jersey Turnpike. Approximately 15 pounds of cocaine and 6  pounds of heroin were recovered from the vehicle they were operating.
On October 26, 2007, Francisco Morales-Chispe, 35, of Los Angeles, California, was arrested on October 26, 2007 in Bronx, New York.
On October 29, 2007, William Duran-Paulino, Wilfredo Recio, Juan Taveras, and Elvin Golon-Casiano, a/k/a "Geuri Recio" were all arrested in the Bronx.
On October 29, 2007, Nicholas Brito, 27, was arrested in the Bronx on a federal warrant arising out of an unrelated investigation. On October 30, 2007, Brito was served with a complaint charging him with second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Heroin for his role in this Drug Distribution Network.
Currently, Edward A. Santana, a key member of this narcotic distribution network remains at large and is wanted on a charge of second degree Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine. Santana is described as a Hispanic male, approximately 6 feet tall and weighing between 160 and 180 pounds. Santana's date of birth is February 28, 1977 and his last known address is 743 Parker Street in Perth Amboy. Anyone having any information on Santana's whereabouts is requested to contact Detective Todd Rue of the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office at 1- 800/ 533-7443.
As a result of the "Operation Honeycomb" investigation, the federal resources that were provided in this cooperative investigation identified sources of narcotics from multiple states, to include California, Florida and New York.
A full list of all those arrested is attached. All of those arrested were remanded to the Monmouth County Correctional Institute in lieu of bail, which was set by the Honorable Lawrence M. Lawson, A.J.S.C. All bails are cash only and require a source of funds hearing prior to bail being posted.
Despite these charges every defendant is presumed innocent, unless and until found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, following a trial at which the defendant has all of the trial rights guaranteed by the United States Constitution and State law.