Seven Indicted in Baltimore Area Drug Trafficking Operation

Seven individuals, six of whom are alleged to be unlawfully present in the United States, have been indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland in connection with a drug trafficking organization operating within the Baltimore metropolitan area. The charges stem from an investigation into the distribution of significant quantities of cocaine and cocaine base. The indicted individuals include Pablo Aberlardo Molina, German Dario Aguilar Mencias, Santos Ayala Serrano, Hamilton Estuardo Cha Pacay, Brayan Juarez Cruz, Benjamin Rivas Lopez, and Gerson Alex Tabora-Chinchilla, all identified as citizens of Honduras and Guatemala.

The indictment details a conspiracy that began in March 2025 and continued through October 2025, during which the defendants allegedly conspired to distribute at least five kilograms of a cocaine mixture and 280 grams of a cocaine-base mixture. All seven are charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. Beyond the conspiracy charge, several defendants face additional counts related to possession with intent to distribute cocaine. Specifically, Molina, Serrano, Cruz, and Rivas Lopez are charged with one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine, while Aguilar Mencias, Cha Pacay, and Tabora-Chinchilla are charged with two counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine.

Further complicating the charges, Aguilar Mencias, Cha Pacay, and Tabora-Chinchilla are also accused of firearm-related offenses. Aguilar Mencias and Cha Pacay are charged with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person, and all three are charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. These charges carry substantial potential penalties. Convictions for conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute large quantities of cocaine or cocaine base could result in a mandatory minimum of 10 years imprisonment, extending up to life imprisonment. Possession with intent to distribute cocaine carries a maximum penalty of 20 years. Firearm-related charges include a maximum of 15 years for possession by a prohibited person and up to 20 years for conspiracy to possess a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking. It is important to note that an indictment is an accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

The investigation and subsequent indictments are part of “Operation Take Back America,” a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling criminal organizations, and enhancing community safety. U.S. Attorney Kelly O. Hayes for the District of Maryland, in collaboration with Special Agent in Charge Christopher C. Goumenis of the DEA’s Washington Division and Chief Robert McCullough of the Baltimore County Police Department, announced the indictment. This operation highlights the collaborative efforts between federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office, which provided valuable assistance. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney LaRai Everett and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathleen Godwin.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland

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