Nine suspects were arrested for their roles in the drug pipeline.

By Zak Failla From Daily Voice

A massive flow of cocaine from Texas into, Maryland was cut off in Baltimore, where detectives seized more than 43 kilograms of narcotics during a coordinated takedown involving local, state, and federal law enforcement last month, authorities announced.

The investigation began in January 2025, when detectives with the Baltimore County Police Department Narcotics Unit started tracking a group they believed was bringing large amounts of cocaine across the country, police said. 

Detectives later identified several suspected members of the trafficking ring, including:

  • Benjamin Rivas Lopez;
  • Santos Ayala Serrano;
  • Brayan Juarez Cruz;
  • Pablo Abelardo Molina;
  • Fredy Lopez Chinchilla;
  • Gerson Tabora Chinchilla;
  • Hamilton Cha Pacay;
  • German Aguilar Mencias; 
  • Elvin Ayala Paz.

“Drug Trafficking Organizations like this one wreak havoc on our communities by fostering an environment filled with danger and anxiety, ultimately degrading the quality of life for our residents,” State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates said. 

“These organizations lead to increased crime rates, addiction issues, and a decline in overall living conditions for those in affected neighborhoods.”

Detectives identified multiple stash houses in Baltimore City and Baltimore County, according to investigators, and were able to identify a pattern that the traffickers were using.

After tracking vehicles driven by Molina and Lopez from Houston to Baltimore, detectives watched as several suspects carried large pieces of luggage into an apartment in southeast Baltimore City, police said.

Officials said detectives then executed a search warrant at the apartment and recovered approximately 43 kilograms of cocaine and a bolt-action .22-caliber rifle. 

Investigators said the street value of the cocaine is about $4 million. 

Lopez, Serrano, Cruz, and Molina were arrested at the scene and later indicted, prosecutors said.

“Criminals know no boundaries, and neither should we,” Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger said. “I want to thank all law enforcement involved, and I will continue to work with my partner in fighting crime, State’s Attorney Ivan Bates.”

A second stash location in Baltimore County was also searched at the same time, investigators said. 

Detectives seized about 360 grams of cocaine, nearly $6,000 in cash, and a loaded Ruger .22-caliber rifle.

“This investigation and subsequent arrests demonstrate the exceptional work being done by detectives assigned to the Baltimore County Police Department’s Vice/Narcotics Section,” Baltimore County Police Chief Robert O. McCullough said. 

“Through their unwavering dedication and strong partnerships with local and federal agencies, these detectives are making communities across the region safer and saving lives.”

Multiple agencies helped execute warrants, including the Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office, DEA, the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, and Washington/Baltimore HIDTA, officials said.

“This operation shows the strength of coordinated law enforcement agencies,” Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen said. “This multi-state collaboration stopped a steady flow of narcotics into our city and demonstrates our shared commitment to public safety.”

“I’m proud of the role the Baltimore Police Department played in supporting our partners in this case and our shared commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations,” Baltimore Police Commissioner Richard Worley said. 

“Collaborations like this are essential to protecting our residents, building trust in our communities, and strengthening public safety across our city.”