BALTIMORE — Federal and local authorities have shut down a major drug trafficking corridor that funneled large quantities of cocaine from Texas into Maryland, resulting in the indictment of nine individuals and the seizure of 43 kilograms of cocaine valued at approximately $4 million on the street.
The investigation began in January 2025 when detectives with the Baltimore Police Department and federal partners identified a network importing bulk cocaine from Houston into the Baltimore region. Over the following months, investigators conducted extensive surveillance on vehicles, residences, and suspects linked to the organization.
Court documents unsealed this week in U.S. District Court in Baltimore charge the following nine men with conspiracy to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine:
- Benjamin Lopez
- Santos Serrano
- Brayan Cruz
- Pablo Molina
- Fredy Chinchilla
- Gerson Chinchilla
- Hamilton Pacay
- German Mencias
- Elvin Paz
Authorities tracked multiple trips by vehicles driven by Pablo Molina and Benjamin Lopez from Houston to Baltimore. On at least one occasion, surveillance teams observed Molina, Lopez, Cruz, and Serrano carrying several large pieces of luggage into a stash apartment in Southeast Baltimore. A subsequent court-authorized search of that apartment and a related residence in Baltimore County yielded 43 kilograms of cocaine along with a rifle.
The seized cocaine has an estimated wholesale value of more than $1 million and a street value approaching $4 million once cut and distributed at the retail level.
All nine defendants face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum of life if convicted on the top conspiracy count. Additional charges include possession with intent to distribute cocaine and, in one case, possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking.
The case was investigated by the Baltimore Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, DEA, ATF, and the U.S. S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. Prosecutors described the organization as a “significant supplier” to mid-level distributors throughout the Baltimore metropolitan area.
No trial date has been set. The defendants remain in federal custody pending detention hearings.
