An undercover operation by the Miami Police Department led to the arrest of two individuals deemed highly dangerous, now facing numerous charges related to drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession. This intervention uncovered not just a sophisticated drug distribution network but also a troubling cache of weapons hidden in a Miami residence.
The apprehended men, identified as José Benjamín Corujo, 31, from northwest Miami-Dade, and José André Reyes, 26, hailing from Miami, were caught on Thursday night during a covert operation at the Air Park Plaza shopping center parking lot in the Flagami neighborhood, at the northwest 7th Street and 57th Avenue intersection. The transaction provided enough evidence to execute a search warrant at Reyes' residence in Allapattah, part of Miami's metropolitan area.
Inside, investigators discovered more than they anticipated: a genuine arsenal consisting of ten rifles, including an AK-47, three pistols, numerous magazines, and a substantial amount of ammunition. Additionally, law enforcement seized 181 grams of cocaine, nearly half a kilo (484 grams) of marijuana, and unspecified quantities of powerful prescription drugs such as oxycodone, Adderall, and Xanax.
The severity of the case is heightened by the criminal backgrounds of the suspects. Both Corujo and Reyes were on probation at the time of arrest. Reyes’ history includes an attempted murder charge at just 19 years old. While the case details are sealed by the judicial system, he received withheld adjudication and was classified as a juvenile offender. Corujo was recently arrested on April 4 in Coral Gables for drinking alcohol in a park while skateboarding. When approached by an officer, he physically assaulted the officer and fled, resulting in a Taser intervention. Cocaine was found in his pocket during the arrest.
"Now with all these firearms, we need to check and test-fire them to determine if they have been used in other crimes," said Mike Vega, a spokesperson for the police, to América TeVe. Both suspects are currently held at the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center. As of Friday afternoon, their bond amounts had not yet been set, according to the correctional facility's records.
The Miami Police Department has not ruled out the possibility of additional arrests tied to this operation. This case has sparked concern among residents of the neighborhoods where the suspects operated, fearing that the presence of armed individuals with access to hard drugs may be more widespread than it seems. Meanwhile, authorities pledge to continue efforts to dismantle similar networks in other areas of the county.
Details on Miami Drug and Firearm Arrest
What charges are the suspects facing?
The suspects are facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking and illegal possession of firearms.
What was found during the search of Reyes' residence?
Investigators found an arsenal of ten rifles, including an AK-47, three pistols, numerous magazines, and a significant amount of ammunition, along with 181 grams of cocaine and nearly half a kilo of marijuana.
What are the criminal backgrounds of the suspects?
Both suspects were on probation at the time of their arrest. Reyes has a history of attempted murder, and Corujo was recently arrested for assaulting an officer and possessing cocaine.