Photo courtesy of Tri-Net Drug officers seized nearly a half million dollars in drugs and cash from three homes in Dayton and Carson City during raids early Thursday morning. Also seized were two handguns and an AK-47. The busts are of Jesus Malvedere, Mexico's Robin-Hood like hero from the late 19th century once known as the "Generous Bandit," but now best known as: "The Narco Saint," the patron saint of drug smugglers.
Nearly a half million dollars in drugs and cash were seized early Thursday morning during simultaneous raids on three homes in Carson City and Dayton - making it the largest seizure ever of methamphetamine in Lyon County, said Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Chuck Allen.
Members of the Tri-Net Drug Taskforce, Carson City Sheriff's SWAT Team, Lyon County Sheriff's Department and Douglas County Special Enforcement Team served the search warrants just after 5 a.m. in Carson City at 409 Boulder Circle, and 210 Stonegate Way and in Dayton at 156 Dayton Village Parkway.
Allen said in all, seven people were arrested. Four on trafficking charges and three on immigration violation.
The investigation began in February when Tri-Net received information that Ramon Ruiz-Camacho, 23, was allegedly trafficking methamphetamine in Carson City. Eventually, Tri-Net was able to connect all three homes as being part of meth trafficking, Allen said.
He said $270,000 in cash was recovered from one of the Carson City homes.
Maxi Escobar, 26, and Gabriel Escobar, 23, were arrested at the Boulder Drive home they own. Ruiz-Camacho was also arrested there.
Martin Hernanez-Dias, 44, was arrested on Stonegate Way.
At the Dayton Village Parkway home, also owned by the Escobars, investigators seized four pounds of methamphetamine with a street value estimated at $180,000.
Allen said the four were arrested on suspicion of drug trafficking, possession of a controlled substance for sale and various other narcotics-related charges.
Three were being held on $250,000 bail each, while Ruiz-Camacho is being held without bail because of outstanding warrants in Washoe County and Carson City charging him with trafficking.
In addition to the drugs and currency, two handguns and an AK-47 rifle were seized.
The Tri-Net Task Force is comprised of Investigators from the Sheriff's Offices of Carson City, Douglas and Lyon counties, along with the Department of Public Safety Investigation Division.
• Contact reporter F.T. Norton at ftnorton@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1213.