A federal magistrate judge today in Raleigh denied pretrial release for one of the defendants in a conspiracy which led to the seizure of 80 kilos of cocaine and more than $2 million in cash.

Luis Enrrique Arroyo-Jimenez appeared before Magistrate Judge Roberts T. Numbers II for his detention hearing in Raleigh, according to a notation contained in the federal court record.

A Spanish interpreter was sworn in and the assistant United States attorney and counsel for the defendant were also present.

Evidence was presented by oral testimony and Numbers ordered Arroyo-Jimenez, who lived on Aurelian Springs Road at the time of his arrest and drug seizure, to the custody of the United States Marshal Service.

Numbers noted in the checklist contained in the online document “that no condition or combination of conditions will reasonably assure the appearance of the defendant as required.”

He also ruled the safety of the community is not ensured “because there is probable cause to believe that the defendant committed an offense for which a maximum term of imprisonment of 10 years or more is prescribed.”

Numbers also checked off boxes which show the weight of evidence against the defendant is strong and he is subject to a lengthy period of incarceration if convicted.

He also checked off sections which note the defendant has significant family or other ties outside the country and lacks legal status in the United States.

He is subject to removal or deportation after serving any period of imprisonment.

Arroyo-Jimenez and Andrew Richard Rodarte are already scheduled for arraignment September 23 before District Judge James C. Dever III in Raleigh.

Arroyo-Jimenez had his detention hearing continued until today.

Rodarte has already been remanded to remain in federal custody pending the arraignment. 

Last Tuesday, a grand jury returned true bills of indictment against the men, charging they conspired to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, 5 kilograms or more of cocaine and aided and abetted each other by possessing with intent to distribute the cocaine.

The indictment says forfeitable property includes, but is not limited to, the $2,055,141 in currency seized during the sting on July 16.

According to a criminal complaint members of the DEA conducted an investigation of suspected drug traffickers in Halifax County.

As part of that operation, investigators observed a mobile home in the 9000 block of Aurelian Springs Road in the Littleton area.

During the operation a semi-truck arrived at the residence. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Rodarte.

Investigators then observed several individuals exit the residence and approach the vehicle. The individuals then accessed the sleeper compartment of the vehicle and unloaded several large duffle bags which were taken inside the residence. 

Rodarte then left the residence.

Inside each bag were approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine for a total of 80 kilos. The substances were later field tested and the results were positive for cocaine. 

Rodarte, according to the complaint, admitted to transporting the seized cocaine and said he had made at least five similar trips to other locations.

A subsequent search of his vehicle yielded the bulk currency.