A covert operation by the Miami Police culminated in the arrest of two individuals deemed highly dangerous, who now face multiple charges for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
The intervention revealed not only a sophisticated drug distribution network but also a concerning hidden arsenal in a residence in the city.
The detainees, of Hispanic origin, were identified as José Benjamín Corujo, 31 years old, a resident of northwest Miami-Dade, and José André Reyes, 26, originally from Miami.
Both were apprehended Thursday night during an undercover operation conducted in the parking lot of the Air Park Plaza shopping center, located in the Flagami neighborhood at the intersection of Northwest 7th Street and 57th Avenue.
The transaction allowed for the gathering of sufficient evidence to execute a search warrant at Reyes's residence, located in Allapattah, in the Miami metropolitan area.
What they found there exceeded the researchers' expectations: a genuine arsenal consisting of ten rifles, including an AK-47, three handguns, dozens of magazines, and a substantial amount of ammunition.
In addition, 181 grams of cocaine, nearly half a kilogram of marijuana (484 grams), and unspecified amounts of powerful prescription medications such as oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax were seized.
The seriousness of the case intensifies when considering the criminal backgrounds of both individuals involved. Authorities confirmed that both Corujo and Reyes were under parole at the time of their arrest.
In Reyes's case, his record includes an attempted murder when he was only 19 years old. Although the details of the case have been sealed by the judicial system, he was granted a withheld adjudication and was classified as a juvenile offender.
For his part, Corujo had been arrested recently, on April 4, in Coral Gables.
According to police documents, he was caught drinking alcohol in a park while riding a skateboard. When approached by an officer, he physically assaulted them and fled, which led to an intervention with a Taser. During his arrest, a bag of cocaine was found in his pocket.
"Now, with all these firearms, we have to check them, fire them, to determine if they have been used in any other crime," revealed to América TeVe, Mike Vega, spokesperson for the police department.
Both suspects are currently being held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. As of Friday afternoon, the amount of their bail had not yet been determined, according to records from the correctional facility.
The Miami Police Department has not ruled out the possibility of more arrests related to this operation.
The case has raised concerns among residents of the neighborhoods where those involved operated, as they fear that the presence of armed individuals with access to hard drugs may be more widespread than it seems.
Meanwhile, authorities assure that they will continue efforts aimed at dismantling similar structures in other areas of the county.
Frequently Asked Questions about the police operation in Miami regarding drug and weapon trafficking
Who was arrested in the undercover operation in Miami?
José Benjamín Corujo and José André Reyes were the two individuals arrested during an undercover operation by the Miami Police. Both are considered highly dangerous and face multiple charges for drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
What did the authorities find during the raid at Reyes' residence?
The authorities discovered an arsenal consisting of ten rifles, including an AK-47, three handguns, dozens of magazines, and a significant amount of ammunition. Additionally, they seized 181 grams of cocaine, nearly half a kilogram of marijuana, and controlled medications such as oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax.
Why is the arrest of Corujo and Reyes particularly concerning for the Miami community?
The concern lies in the fact that both detainees had criminal records and were on probation at the time of their arrest. Reyes had been classified as a juvenile delinquent following an attempted murder, and Corujo had been recently arrested for assaulting an officer and possession of cocaine.
What measures is the Miami Police taking after this operation?
The Miami Police continues to investigate the extent of the network with which Corujo and Reyes may be involved and does not rule out the possibility of more arrests related to this operation. The goal is to dismantle similar structures in other areas of the county.
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