APD Searching For Federally Indicted Suspects, Public Help Needed

Staff Report

On January 2, 2019, six individuals were federally indicted for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute synthetic cannabinoids: Amando Ramirez, Christopher Elizondo, Paul Rodriguez, Estevan Arriaga, Kristi Rivera and Sean Yadon. Arriaga and Rivera are in the custody of U.S. Marshalls and Yadon is in the Travis County Jail on a probation violation.

APD is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the remaining suspects (pictured below).

Anyone with information about this case or similar cases is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 512-472-TIPS or text “Tip 103” + your message to CRIMES.

You can also submit tips by downloading APD’s mobile app, Austin PD, for free on iPhone and Android.

Background

During November 2017, the Austin Police Department received information from a Crime Stoppers Tip about a group that was dealing large amounts of K2 (Synthetic Cannabinoid) in the Austin area.

The tipster stated the suspects were going to Houston to pick up a large amount of K2 (Synthetic Cannabinoid) to bring back to the Austin area for distribution.

An investigation was initiated and several of the suspects were identified.

Members of APD’s Organized Crime Division Narcotics Conspiracy Team and the DEA Tactical Diversion Squad coordinated with the Houston Police Department Kush Task Force.

Surveillance was conducted on the suspects as they traveled back into Austin. Austin police patrol officers conducted a Felony Car Stop on the vehicle and four suspects were taken into custody.
 
A probable cause search of the vehicle found 74.32 kilos of K2 (Synthetic Cannabinoid) in multiple trash bags. This seizure represents 222,960 individual doses of K2 (Synthetic Cannabinoid) with a street value of $1,114,800.