Venezuelan national Jose Enrique Martinez Flores, also known as “Chuqui,” has been detained on charges related to terrorism and drug trafficking. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas, Flores, believed to be a high-ranking member of Tren de Aragua (TdA), faces a superseding indictment for conspiring to support the group, which was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. State Department on February 20. He is also charged with distributing cocaine intended for the United States.
Authorities allege that Flores was involved in providing services and personnel to support TdA’s operations and in distributing five kilograms or more of cocaine. He was arrested in Colombia last month following a request from U.S. officials and is currently being held there while awaiting legal proceedings. A federal grand jury in Houston returned the updated indictment on April 8.
The FBI and DEA are jointly investigating the case, which they say reflects the scope of TdA’s international criminal activities. If convicted, Flores could face life in prison and a fine of up to $10 million.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at targeting illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations. Prosecutors from the Southern District of Texas and the DOJ’s Joint Task Force Vulcan are leading the case, with support from U.S. and Colombian law enforcement agencies.
