DEA and Puerto Rico Police Uncover Suspected Drug Trafficking Ring with Arrest in Comerio
Comerio, Puerto Rico – An arrest in Comerio has revealed an active federal and state inquiry into a suspected drug trafficking association operating in puerto Rico, authorities announced today. Carlos Zalduondo Díaz was taken into custody on October 22nd following a complaint filed by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
The investigation, a joint effort between the DEA’s Caribbean Division and the Puerto Rico Police, began on October 7th, focusing on drug trafficking organizations across the island. Surveillance of Zalduondo Díaz commenced the following day,and from October 17th to 21st,undercover agents observed him “in possession of a firearm and controlled substances in and around the residence,” according to federal documents.
A subsequent search warrant executed at the property in Comerio uncovered marijuana, cocaine, cash packaging materials, and a check for $8,500. A DEA canine unit also detected a firearm, later identified as a Glock model 19x pistol, inside a 2024 KIA Seltos vehicle on the property. Authorities confirmed the weapon had been illegally modified to fire automatically and also recovered ammunition.
“The investigation revealed that Zalduondo Díaz knew that he was convicted of a crime that carried a year or more in prison,” a statement from the DEA confirmed. Zalduondo Díaz previously served 39 months in prison following an arrest related to a shooting incident on New Year’s eve in Barranquitas in 2019.
The arrest signals an ongoing effort to dismantle drug trafficking operations in Puerto Rico, with authorities continuing to investigate the full scope of the suspected organization. A federal magistrate authorized the arrest, and the investigation remains active.