Ryan K. Buchanan, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Georgia
Irma Elvira Cruz, also known as "Huzipol" and "Madre," has been extradited from Mexico to face federal charges in the United States. The 60-year-old Mexican national was arraigned before Chief United States Magistrate Judge Russell G. Vineyard on charges of conspiracy to unlawfully import cocaine into the U.S. and possession of cocaine with intent to distribute. Cruz was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 14, 2017.
"Cruz allegedly played a critical role in the trafficking of hundreds of kilograms of cocaine into the United States," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. He emphasized that her extradition marks an important step towards accountability for her alleged involvement in drug trafficking activities affecting U.S. communities. Moultrie extended gratitude to federal, state, local law enforcement partners, and international collaborators for their cooperation in this case.
Jae W. Chung, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Division, commented on the exploitation by drug traffickers: "Drug traffickers exploit vulnerable members of our community to generate profits." He highlighted the DEA's determination to hold such individuals accountable.
Steven N. Schrank, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta, underscored the commitment to dismantling transnational criminal networks: "The extradition and arraignment of Irma Elvira Cruz...demonstrates the unwavering commitment of HSI and our partners."
According to court information presented by Acting U.S. Attorney Moultrie, Jr., between 2013 and 2016, a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization imported large quantities of cocaine from Colombia through Mexico into the U.S., transporting proceeds back to Mexico. Cruz is identified as an associate responsible for quality control testing of multi-kilogram shipments intended for distribution within the U.S., including Atlanta.
On September 3, 2015, Cruz allegedly traveled to a stash house in Costa Rica to test cocaine purity destined for the U.S. The next day, authorities seized approximately 100 kilograms from vehicles associated with Cruz and later found about 221 kilograms at the stash house.
It is noted that charges are allegations at this stage; Cruz remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt at trial.
The investigation involves multiple agencies including DEA, Coast Guard, Navy, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations, Border Patrol, DeKalb County Police Department, and Georgia State Patrol.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas M. Forsyth III and Elizabeth M. Hathaway are prosecuting with contributions from former Assistant U.S. Attorney Lisa Tarvin. The Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs facilitated Cruz's arrest and extradition.
This case forms part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening the U.S.
For more details contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office or visit their website.
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