HOUSTON – A drug bust at an apartment complex in southwest Houston after a months-long investigation yielded eight arrests and the discovery of a variety of narcotics, weapons and cash.
Officials said they found money, weapons, an what appears to be marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy and meth while raiding several of the units at the Sunset Crossing Apartments at 10630 Beechnut.
According to authorities, they started investigating the complex located on Wilcrest Drive and Beechnut Street several months ago before moving in around 5:45 a.m. Wednesday.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Houston Police Department teamed up for a months-long investigation after complaints from the community alerted them to possible criminal activity, officers said.
"It's been an ongoing investigation," said one federal agent. "We have been looking at this location for months. We've had a lot of complaints from the community in the area, and so we are looking for both firearms and narcotics-related activity."
Authorities said they seized 10 firearms, a large quantity of narcotics, a vehicle and $10,000 in cash.
Seven men and a juvenile were arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute:
- Reginald Smith, 24
- Felipe Ortuno, 17
- Carlos Martinez, 17
- Jose Majano, 20
- Jojoan Brown, 20
- Leo Gaston, 29
- Julian Denham, 31
According to authorities, Brown jumped from a second-floor bedroom window and landed on an air conditioning unit below. He was treated for injuries, then arrested.
Two women were detained, but released.