Several arrested in Bootheel as part of alleged drug ring

DUNKLIN COUNTY, Mo. -- Eight suspects were recently arrested by federal agents in connection with what authorities have charged as a conspiracy to distribute more than 100 kilograms of marijuana into the area, the Daily Dunklin Democrat newspaper reported.

According to a written release from the Dunklin County sheriff's office, one of the many agencies involved in the 18-month long investigation, on Wednesday, two federal search warrants and seven federal arrest warrants were executed in the Dunklin County area, with one additional arrest warrant being served in southern Texas.

The release indicates that the search and arrest warrants were executed after a decision by a federal grand jury to return a 10-person conspiracy indictment on June 17 in the Eastern District of Missouri; Southeastern Division, against a number of individuals allegedly connected to drug activity in the area.

The release additionally states that the indictment was the culmination of federal Title III wire intercepts of cellular phones belonging to members of the conspiracy and that four of the 10 indicted persons are considered to have illegal immigration status.

Although eight people have been arrested, authorities say two additional suspects are expected to be arrested at a later date. Investigating agencies also indicate that some of the individuals arrested were also charged with the distribution of methamphetamine and that items of evidence were located at search locations in Dunklin County and southern Texas.

A list of the individuals arrested in connection with the investigation is as follows, but does not include what charges each individual faces or which of those people listed are considered illegal immigrants.

* Jaime Alfonso Rodriguez-Moreno, 27 of Paragould, Ark., and Kennett Mo.

* Noe A. Martinez, 36, of Rector, Ark.

* Rudy Gonzales, 23, of Kennett

* Luz "Sparky" Coronado, 25 of Kennett

* Sylvano Munoz-Ramirez, 43 of Senath, Mo.

* Daniel Casas Garcia, 32 of Senath

* Javier M. Martinez, 23 of Fort Worth, Texas and Senath

* Miguel Calderon, 26 of Donna, Texas

Prosecuting Attorney for Dunklin County, Stephen P. Sokoloff, told the Daily Dunklin Democrat on Monday that his office does have the intention of filing additional charges on a state level against those involved and other suspects, as the investigation continues.