Men sentenced for role in drug ring

Raleigh, N.C. — A federal judge Friday sentenced two men who pled guilty to charges that they were involved in a Robeson County-based drug ring called the Hunt Organization.

District Judge Terrence W. Boyle sentenced Saul Lopez Velascu, 21, to 10 years in prison and Louis Danilo Segura to a little more than six years for conspiring to manufacture, distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 or more kilograms of cocaine.

Velascu also plead guilty to possession of a firearm by an illegal alien and aiding and abetting possession with the intent to distribute 5 or more kilos of cocaine, 50 grams or more of crack cocaine and a quantity of marijuana.

"Agents with (Immigrations and Customs Enforcement) and the (State Bureau of Investigation) have worked long hours to bring this case to prosecution," Boyle said. "They should be commended for the dedicated work to clean up neighborhoods of drug dealers and other criminals and to dismantle organizations which bring illegal drugs into our communities."

Agents arrested Velascu and Segura after an undercover buy on Oct. 7, 2007.

They searched the men's residence and seized $25,131 in cash and 5,866.2 grams of powder cocaine packaged in six bricks, 33.8 grams of crack and 448.4 grams of marijuana.

Agents also found three firearms, including a Model 120 Winchester 12-gauge shotgun, a Model 1911 .45-caliber Springfield Armory handgun and a Model 60 .22-caliber Marlin long rifle.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer E. Wells prosecuted the case.