Pair Convicted in Drug Case

RING BROUGHT AT LEAST 10 TONS OF MARIJUANA INTO STATE

By John Parker, Staff Writer

Two Texas men tied to a drugrunning operation that brought at least 10
tons of marijuana into the state were convicted Monday on federal drug
charges.

A U.S. District Court jury found Rolando Samaniego, 24, guilty on 31
criminal counts, including conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Rafael
Sifuentes, 21, was found guilty on one marijuana conspiracy count.

Both men are from Fabens, Texas.

The jury also made a special forfeiture verdict that will allow prosecutors
to seize up to $13 million in property and cash derived from illegal drug
sales.

Samaniego and Sifuentes were among 18 defendants named in a grand jury
indictment earlier this year. The drug operation transported marijuana from
Mexico to Oklahoma from early 1994 through August 1997, the indictment said.

Prosecutors accused Samaniego of arranging marijuana transportation,
including hiring drivers, to bring the drugs from southern Texas to the
Oklahoma City area. Vehicles ranged from passenger cars to semitractor
trailers.

Sifuentes aided the operation by helping unload shipments when they arrived
in Oklahoma City and distributing some marijuana to New York buyers,
prosecutors alleged.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Maye, who handled the case with prosecutor
Kim Kakish, said eight of the original 18 defendants have pleaded guilty to
charges, while eight remain fugitives.

Agents have seized about $16,000 from the investigation. Maye said she is
optimistic that the $13 million can be recovered by selling assets bought
with drug profits.