A routine complaint about some suspected illegal hunting on private property has suddenly unraveled into a significant drug trafficking and firearms investigation, resulting in arrests and the seizure of substantial contraband.
The incident unfolded in December of last year, when Alabama Conservation Officers from the Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division responded to a report of unauthorized hunting in rural Limestone County. Upon initial inspection, investigating officers spotted several individuals in tree stands on private land and ordered them to leave the property. But instead of simply complying with their requests, the subjects fled the scene, prompting a full-scale investigation.
Further digging by the agency soon revealed that the individuals were unlawfully present in the United States and, if that wasn’t enough, were also believed to be in possession of illegal firearms and controlled substances. Given the breadth of their findings, wildlife officials were then prompted to bring in the Limestone County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division, SWAT Team, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.
The multi-agency effort soon resulted in the execution of a search warrant at a residence believed to house the suspects. During the operation, investigators recovered approximately 17 pounds of marijuana, three firearms, and evidence of illegally harvested game. As a result of the raid, four individuals were initially taken into custody.
Of the four arrested, two are now facing formal charges and ICE detainers. 53-year-old Oralia Salgado Luna of Mexico and 32-year-old Gerson Andres Paz Rivera of Honduras are charged with drug trafficking, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, hunting without permission and hunting without a non-resident license.
Both are currently detained by ICE pending further proceedings.
“This case began as a trespassing and illegal hunting complaint, but through strong interagency cooperation, it quickly evolved into a significant drug trafficking and firearms investigation,” Limestone County Sheriff Joshua McLaughlin said. “Limestone County has a long-standing tradition of responsible hunting and respect for private property rights. We take violations of those rights seriously, especially when they involve armed individuals and illegal narcotics.”
As of right now, the investigation remains ongoing, with no additional details released about the other two individuals detained or potential further charges.
