Marina
In a significant blow to transnational drug trafficking, six individuals have been arrested in Emporia, Kansas, for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated operation smuggling liquid methamphetamine from Mexico into the United States.
This case underscores the evolving tactics of drug cartels and the concerted efforts of U.S. law enforcement to dismantle such networks.
Operation Overview
Between March and April 2025, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) observed a commercial charter bus making multiple crossings from Mexico into the U.S. with few or no passengers. License plate readers indicated that the bus consistently traveled to Emporia, Kansas, before returning to Mexico.
During a secondary inspection, CBP officers discovered tampered bolts around the fuel tank, raising suspicions of concealed contraband.
On May 4, 2025, a CBP canine unit alerted officers to the presence of controlled substances in the bus. A sample from the gas tank tested positive for liquid methamphetamine. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) agents allowed the bus to proceed, tracking it to a rural property in Emporia.
Subsequently, the Emporia Police Department arrested five individuals at or near the property, with a sixth apprehended at a separate location.
Defendants and Charges
Each of the six defendants faces one count of possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine:
| Name | Age | Residence | Immigration Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omar Villa Carranza | 45 | Emporia, KS | Mexican national unlawfully residing in the U.S. |
| Tiburcio Ayala Rangel | 42 | Emporia, KS | Mexican national unlawfully residing in the U.S. |
| Troy Wagaman | 42 | Emporia, KS | U.S. citizen |
| Jesus Cruz Rodriguez | 28 | Emporia, KS | U.S. citizen |
| Moises Cervantes Sanchez | 67 | McAllen, TX | U.S. citizen |
| Elizabeth Benitez | 33 | Emporia, KS | U.S. citizen |
Modus Operandi: Liquid Meth Concealment
The operation involved transporting liquid methamphetamine concealed within the fuel tank of a charter bus. This method allowed traffickers to evade detection by standard inspection procedures.
The use of a commercial vehicle with minimal passengers further reduced suspicion during border crossings.
Collaborative Law Enforcement Efforts
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative under the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
The operation aims to dismantle drug trafficking organizations and enhance public safety through coordinated law enforcement actions.
The dismantling of this drug smuggling operation in Emporia highlights the persistent threat posed by transnational criminal organizations.
Through vigilant monitoring and interagency collaboration, law enforcement continues to adapt and respond to evolving smuggling tactics, safeguarding communities from the dangers of illicit narcotics.