SAN ANTONIO — Bexar County Sheriff’s deputies linked three people to a human smuggling operation on the Southeast Side Tuesday after making a drug bust during traffic stops.
Police arrested Jorge Armando Morado Moreno, 23, Jorge Armando Morado, 42, and Rosa Elena Moreno Rodriguez, 43, for human smuggling. They’re booked in Bexar County Jail.
Traffic stops near South Flores Street and West Sayers Avenue led deputies to the discovery of a human smuggling operation. Morado was following behind Moreno when officers pulled them both over. During the traffic stop, a kilo of cocaine was found, which police believe has a street value of $40,000. Deputies detained the two men.
Continuing their investigation, deputies obtained a search warrant for a residence connected to the suspects. At a house off West Pyron Avenue, just feet away from Harlandale High School, police uncovered five smuggling victims from Mexico — four men and one woman. They were located in the second-floor room of the home.
Rodriguez confirmed ownership of the residence and was put in custody.
In the home, deputies made further finds. They discovered a bag of cash with approximately $601,500 in it and a stolen Ford F-350 pickup truck on the property.
The trio’s charges are as follows:
Moreno
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance PG 1 over 400G
- Engaging in organized criminal activity
- Smuggling of persons
Moreno's bonds total $225,000.
Morado
- Money laundering $300K or more
- Possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance PG 1 over 400G
- Smuggling of persons
- Engaging in organized criminal activity
- Theft $30,000 to <$150,000 vehicle
- Operation of a stash house
Morado has bonds worth $370,000 in all.
Rodriguez
- Money laundering $300K or more
- Smuggling of persons
- Engaging in organized criminal activity
- Operation of a stash house
Total bonds for Rodriguez are set at $285,000.
