Ennis suspect among 17 in metroplex drug ring bust
, Managing Editor
06-09-2009
Disrupting a major drug trafficking ring operating out of the DFW area, law enforcement agencies arrested 17 individuals linked with the operation, including Ennis resident Freddie Castillo, 58.
Led by the FBI, several law enforcement agencies throughout the metroplex — including Ennis police department, Ellis County Sheriff’s Office, ATF, DPS Narcotics Division and the IRS — made simultaneous arrests early Thursday morning as the result of a two-year investigation.
Det. Sgt. Mike Hopson said starting as early as 6 a.m. on Thursday he worked with the FBI and other officers to take Castillo into custody. Authorities were able to locate Castillo and Henry Garcia Jr., 63, of Irving, driving together in the 700-800 blocks of Edgewood Drive. Garcia was also among the suspects wanted in connection to the drug ring.
Hopson said both were taken into custody before 7:30 a.m. While not recalling exactly how long the Ennis Police Department has been working with the FBI on this particular case, Hopson did state both agencies were cooperating to try and “locate the suspects for some time.”
A public records search shows that Castillo was previously convicted of organized criminal activity on a 1987 Navarro County Sheriff’s Office arrest. In 1989, Castillo was sentenced to 15 years of confinement for the crime, but was placed on parole until 2002, which was rescinded in 1994.
TO READ THE FULL STORY, SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENNIS DAILY NEWS • 972-875-3801
Other Top Stories
