The short version
- El Vocero reported that the DEA is serving 17 arrest warrants as part of an operation to dismantle the 'Los Tíos' criminal organization in the northwest
- Telemundo Puerto Rico reported the operation began in the early morning hours of Wednesday and includes interventions in the Las Muñecas public housing development
- DEA spokesman Tony Velázquez told reporters the group sold firearms along with cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and crack, with fentanyl among the most sold substances
- According to sources the investigation started in 2022 and the group had alleged connections to Colombia and the Dominican Republic
Multi-Agency Raid Targets Drug and Firearms Ring
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration carried out an operation called "Los Tíos" on Wednesday, Oct. 28, serving 17 arrest warrants in the municipalities of Aguadilla and Quebradillas in northwest Puerto Rico. El Vocero reported the intervention seeks to dismantle a criminal organization dedicated to the sale of firearms and controlled substances.
DEA spokesman Tony Velázquez said in an interview with Radio Isla 1320 that the organization sold cocaine, heroin, fentanyl and crack, with fentanyl among the products they sold most. Telemundo Puerto Rico reported the group was described as highly structured and violent, with alleged connections in Colombia and the Dominican Republic. The operation included actions in the Las Muñecas public housing development in Quebradillas.
Also on PuertoRico.com: Aguadilla travel guide
Investigation and Participating Agencies
Velázquez stated that the investigation began in 2022 and forms part of an initiative by the Homeland Security Task Force led by the DEA. El Vocero reported participating agencies include the Puerto Rico Police, the Quebradillas Municipal Police and the Department of Correction.
Telemundo Puerto Rico added that other entities involved are the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation, the Bureau of Special Investigations and additional federal agencies. El Nuevo Día published images of the arrests carried out during the operation in western Puerto Rico.
Where the sources differ
All three sources agree that the DEA conducted an operation called "Los Tíos" on Wednesday, Oct. 28, serving 17 arrest warrants in Aguadilla and Quebradillas to target a drug trafficking organization also involved with firearms. El Vocero and Telemundo Puerto Rico both quote DEA spokesman Tony Velázquez on the drugs involved (cocaine, heroin, fentanyl, crack) and the Homeland Security Task Force. Telemundo Puerto Rico alone reports the investigation began in 2022, the group's alleged connections to Colombia and the Dominican Republic, its violent nature, and the specific mention of the Las Muñecas housing project. El Nuevo Día provided a photo gallery but no additional textual details.
What the reports do not say
The reports do not state how many arrests were actually made, whether all 17 warrants were executed successfully, the identities or ages of those targeted, or any seizures of drugs, weapons or cash. They also do not indicate what will happen next with the operation or if additional charges or indictments are expected.
Sources
Every link below was opened and checked when this story was published. Official means a government body, agency or the organization itself; Reporting means a news outlet.
- Reporting DEA diligencia 17 órdenes de arresto en operativo al noroeste de Puerto Rico
- Reporting Operativo "Los Tíos": DEA diligencia 17 órdenes de arresto en el noroeste
- Reporting Operación "Los Tíos": imágenes de los arrestos de la DEA en el oeste de Puerto Rico
How we checked this
El Vocero, Telemundo Puerto Rico and El Nuevo Día all reported on the DEA's "Los Tíos" operation in northwest Puerto Rico on Oct. 28. Details on the start of the investigation, international connections and specific locations beyond the two towns rest solely on Telemundo Puerto Rico's account, while images of the arrests were published by El Nuevo Día.
Compiled by the PuertoRico.com News Desk from the reports and statements listed above, and checked against them before publishing. It does not include original interviews. Spot an error? Email support@puertorico.com with a link to this story.
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