Authorities have dismantled a major arms and drug trafficking ring linked to the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua (TdA), indicting ten alleged members and associates in a case that spans at least six states. Prosecutors revealed that the group had ambitions to expand internationally into Colombia as part of their illicit operations.

On Wednesday, in New York City, law enforcement reported that one of the suspects—identified as an illegal immigrant—broke an NYPD officer’s arm while resisting arrest, Fox reports.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz detailed the significant seizures tied to the gang, including 34 illegal firearms, such as AR-15 assault rifles and a modified Glock 9mm capable of automatic fire. Additionally, the gang was trafficking pink cocaine, a highly dangerous designer drug containing a mix of ketamine, MDMA, and ecstasy.

All ten suspects, including two women, are illegal immigrants from Venezuela who crossed the southern border, police confirmed. Their operations were allegedly led by Enyerbert Blanco, 24, a Venezuelan national currently in custody in Florida on human trafficking charges involving a 15-year-old girl.

Today, we withdrew the ridiculous Biden Administration order that allowed unvetted illegal immigrants from Venezuela, including members of the viscous gang Tren De Aragua, to stay in our country and violate our laws. pic.twitter.com/GKUgkeOMuc

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) January 29, 2025

Gun-Running and Expansion Plans

Authorities say the group established a firearms smuggling operation in New York City two years ago, primarily moving weapons stolen from burglaries and vehicle break-ins across state lines. Their dealings extended to Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Texas, and Florida.

According to Katz, the gang’s expansion efforts were sophisticated. “We allege that as members and associates, they trafficked weapons and made money in furtherance of TdA’s agenda, and as they seek to establish themselves in New York City, we are individually dismantling them,” she stated.

The investigation, codenamed “Operation Train Derail,” has been ongoing for over a year in partnership with the NYPD.

Criminal Charges and Ongoing Arrests

Five of the defendants face criminal sale of a firearm charges, which carry a potential 25-year prison sentence if convicted. The remaining suspects are charged with various firearm possession and conspiracy offenses, facing up to 15 years in prison.

• Four suspects are in custody in New York City.
• Four others are incarcerated in Texas and Florida.
• Two remain at large.

Despite the suspects being illegal immigrants, Katz did not address potential ICE deportation proceedings, stating that her focus remains on prosecuting the case as a gun-running operation.

Brazen Firearm Sales in Broad Daylight

Katz described the gang’s audacity, highlighting incidents where members transported assault rifles in garbage bags for sales in broad daylight.

“In one instance, the defendant transported an AR-15 wrapped in a black garbage bag for sale in the Bronx County. This buy occurred at 3:45 p.m. in front of a residential building,” she explained.

Between October 30 and December 10, additional firearm transactions occurred at a Target parking lot in College Point, Queens, where gang members sold:

• Assault rifles for $2,500 to $2,800 each
• Loaded handguns for $1,200 to $1,800 each

Katz emphasized the gang’s organized and methodical approach, stating:
“This group was very entrepreneurial. They ran this business like clockwork. They stole firearms from burglaries and car break-ins in other states, used rental cars to transport them along the iron pipeline, and sold them in New York City. They even discussed smuggling them into Colombia due to their success.”

Injured NYPD Officer and Future Charges

One of the arrested suspects violently resisted arrest, breaking an NYPD officer’s arm. Commissioner Jessica Tisch confirmed the officer is set to undergo surgery and that additional charges will be filed.

Tisch described TdA as a dangerous transnational gang known for murder, trafficking, and chaos, adding:
“The NYPD will always work with our federal and local partners to take down international gangs like TdA, who would wreak havoc on this city.”

Identified Suspects

Some of the Tren de Aragua members indicted in the case include:

• Wrallan Meza, 27
• Leoner Aguilera, 21
• Brayant Aguilar, 21
• Rosemary Sanchez, 24
• Enyerling Zambrano, 29
• Alejandro Rondon, 19
• Oscar Sosa, 31

Authorities continue to track down the remaining fugitives as investigations into the gang’s network expand.