LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Seven individuals are facing federal charges for their roles in a large-scale fentanyl distribution and drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Las Vegas, federal prosecutors announced.
According to a criminal complaint filed by Homeland Security Investigations, Adrian Ortiz Moreno, also known as “El Apache,” and Brenda Maria Moreno De Castro engaged in a continuing criminal enterprise to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl from at least 2024 through August 2, 2026.
The two main targets are accused of conspiring with five co-defendants: Martin Castro, Jr., David Romero Hernandez, Edgar Rosas, Juan Martinez Ramirez, and Walter Estrada Carlos.
Federal law enforcement executed search warrants at two residences on August 2. At the first property, investigators recovered a substantial amount of cash along with 12 firearms and semi-automatic rifles—one of which was custom-engraved with the nickname “El Apache.”
At the second home, officers seized 36 wrapped packages of suspected fentanyl and three additional semi-automatic weapons.
The residential raids followed prior vehicle stops in which investigators seized 40 kilograms of fentanyl and $200,000 in cash.
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“Our community is safer today. There is no doubt lives across our state were saved from the devastating impact of these dangerous drugs and firearms crimes,” said Christopher S. Delzotto, special agent in charge of the FBI Las Vegas Field Office.
Ortiz Moreno and De Castro are charged with running a continuing criminal enterprise and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The remaining co-defendants face various charges including conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute.
Four of the defendants made their initial court appearances in the District of Nevada on Tuesday, August 4, while the remaining three were remanded into federal custody. If convicted, all seven face a maximum penalty of life in prison.
The case was investigated by a multi-agency Homeland Security Task Force, which included the FBI, ATF, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, and the Nevada Gaming Commission.
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