Multi-state drug trafficking operation dismantled; 15 pounds of cocaine seized

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A large display of seized items arranged on a wooden table. At the top are several rectangular, shrink‑wrapped packages labeled “Don Julio.” In front of them are two large white rectangular blocks with embossed textures, positioned among multiple smaller sealed plastic bags containing white, powdery or rock‑like substances. A law‑enforcement badge is placed at the center of the arrangement. Three tall stacks of bundled U.S. currency are lined up below the packages, with denominations visible on the top of each stack.The North Alabama Drug Task Force (NADTF), working alongside Region F of the Alabama Drug Enforcement Task Force, has arrested three individuals and seized more than 15 pounds of cocaine during a major takedown operation targeting a long-running drug trafficking organization operating between Texas, Georgia and Alabama.

On Monday, May 11, agents executed a search warrant at a residence in the Huntsville area following a years-long investigation into individuals responsible for trafficking large quantities of cocaine into north Alabama.

During the operation, agents arrested:

  • Jesse Williams, 51, of El Paso, Texas, charged with trafficking cocaine
  • Peggy Laverne Jones, 68, of El Paso, Texas, charged with trafficking cocaine
  • Robert Isiah Jacquez, 27, of El Paso, Texas, charged with conspiracy to commit a controlled substance crime – trafficking cocaine

All three were booked with bonds set at $1.5 million.

During the investigation, agents seized approximately 15.1 pounds of cocaine and nearly $39,000 in U.S. currency. Investigators believe the cocaine was intended for distribution across multiple counties throughout Alabama.

Throughout the investigation, agents gathered intelligence and monitored the organization’s activities as those involved repeatedly avoided apprehension. Agents ultimately secured information that led to the execution of a search warrant in the Huntsville area, resulting in multiple individuals being taken into custody and the dismantling of the drug trafficking operation.

“This investigation is a reminder that drug traffickers may avoid arrest for a period of time, but law enforcement will continue pursuing those who choose to bring dangerous narcotics into our communities,” NADTF Commander Lt. Joseph Kennington said. “Operations like this take time, coordination and persistence and our agents remained committed to dismantling this organization and protecting the citizens of north Alabama.”A group of tightly wrapped plastic packages containing white, powdery or rock‑like substances arranged on a wooden surface. Two large rectangular white blocks with textured surfaces lie on top, one showing an embossed decorative pattern and the other showing an embossed flowing line. Several smaller sealed plastic bags filled with similar white material surround the larger blocks. A cardboard box labeled “Don Julio” is partially visible beneath the items.

The seizure removed a significant amount of cocaine from north Alabama communities and disrupted a drug trafficking operation that investigators believe had operated for several years between Texas, Georgia and Alabama.

Agents say it very common in illicit drug markets for narcotics to be packaged with stamps, logos or “brand names,” which are used by criminal groups to identify batches or create a form of branding within illegal distribution networks, though these markings have no legitimacy and are part of illegal marketing tactics.

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