A police operation in a southwestern Miami neighborhood has resulted in the arrest of Cuban-American brothers Ronel Amores, aged 49, and Julio Amores, aged 56. Both face severe charges that include drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession, and running a "chop shop" that dismantled and distributed stolen vehicles.
The Miami-Dade Police Department launched an investigation into the property located at 12995 SW 197th Avenue following reports of illicit activities, particularly drug sales. Over several months, undercover agents conducted controlled purchases of illegal substances, confirming the criminal operations taking place at the site. This evidence led authorities to secure a search warrant, executed on January 8, which culminated in the arrest of the suspects.
Major Discoveries During the Raid
The raid, spearheaded by tactical teams and specialized detectives, unveiled a large-scale criminal operation involving drug trafficking, illegal weapon possession, and stolen vehicle activities.
Drug Seizures:Authorities confiscated 247,661 grams of marijuana stored in four trailers converted into greenhouses. They also seized 1,855.1 grams of methamphetamine hidden throughout the premises and 5.1 grams of fentanyl, a lethal amount capable of causing thousands of overdoses. Additional substances, including smaller quantities of MDMA, cocaine, ecstasy, and GHB, were found in various rooms of the property.
Firearms:Inside Ronel Amores' residence, more than 20 firearms were discovered, including high-caliber rifles and sawed-off shotguns. The authorities also found pistols equipped with silencers, accompanied by a substantial amount of ammunition and illegal accessories. With a prior criminal record, Ronel now faces aggravated charges for possessing this arsenal.
Stolen Vehicles and Chop Shop Operations
The property housed 28 vehicles, seven of which were reported stolen. Among them were a Ford F-350 and a Yale forklift with erased vehicle identification numbers (VIN), confirming their use in illegal dismantling and sale of parts. In addition to the drugs, weapons, and almost thirty vehicles, authorities confiscated over $7,000 in cash, counterfeit documents, and fraudulent identifications.
The Amores brothers are confronting a long list of charges. The operation has been described by authorities as "high-impact." Both brothers remain in custody.
Details of the Miami Criminal Network Bust
What led to the investigation of the property in Miami?
The investigation was initiated by the Miami-Dade Police Department following reports of illicit activities, specifically drug sales, at the property.
What types of drugs were seized during the raid?
Authorities seized marijuana, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and smaller quantities of MDMA, cocaine, ecstasy, and GHB.
What charges are the Amores brothers facing?
The Amores brothers are charged with drug trafficking, illegal weapons possession, and operating a "chop shop" for stolen vehicles.
How many vehicles were found at the property, and how many were stolen?
A total of 28 vehicles were found, with seven identified as stolen.