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9 sentenced in East Texas large-scale drug trafficking ring

TYLER, Texas (KETK) — Nine people have been sentenced in connection to a large-scale federal drug trafficking ring that operated in East Texas. The U.S. Attorney's Office Eastern District of Texas announced on Monday that in 2021, law enforcement determined the organization was run by Edgar Garcia, Jr., as the primary distributor. Authorities began the investigation to identify who was receiving methamphetamine from Garcia. Gun Barrel City PD looking to help 'all broken hearts' this Valentine's Day 'During the investigation, law enforcement executed residential search warrants, purchased methamphetamine and/or firearms directly from Garcia and other members of his drug trafficking organization, and directed traffic stops to intercept narcotics and firearms being transported for distribution,' the U.S. attorney's office said. 'Ultimately, multiple kilograms of methamphetamine were seized during the operation.' Law enforcement then found almost a dozen firearms, that were sold as part of a narcotics transaction or being used to guard the drugs, from various people within the organization. The attorney's office released the names of those within the organization who have since been sentenced to federal prison. Edgar Garcia, Jr., 26 of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 12 and a half years Justin Michael Sanchez, 33 of Nacogdoches, sentenced to 19 and a half years Beverly Hurst, 26 of Center, sentenced to 12 and a half years Jason Clepper, 36 of Goliad, sentenced to 12 and a half years Blake Trahan, 29 of Center, sentenced to 4 years Austin Yarbrough, 32 of Timpson, sentenced to 15 and a half years Laddarus Perkins, 40 of Timpson, sentenced to 11 years and 3 months Jeanese Fenley, 43 of Timpson, sentenced to 5 years and 10 months Koury Nowell, 49 of Gary City, sentenced to 2 years and 9 months The case was prosecuted as part of a joint federal, state and local Project Safe Neighborhoods Program. The program is used as a broad spectrum of stakeholders that identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop solutions to address them. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.