Illegal immigrants arrested for drugs

WINCHESTER -- Four men described by authorities as illegal immigrants with gang ties were arrested Tuesday night on cocaine distribution charges.

The arrests come after a three-month investigation by the Northwest Virginia Regional Drug Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to Maj. Robert Eckman of the Frederick County Sheriff's Office.

Eckman said all four men are in the country illegally, and that some have ties to the MS-13 gang. The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency has issued detainers for the men, Eckman said.

The four each face cocaine distribution charges and additional pending charges, Eckman said. All are being held without bond at the Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center.

Arrested were:

• Oscar Alberto Salvatierra-Jovel, 36, of Thomas Court, Winchester. Eckman described Salvatierra-Jovel as the main target of the operation.

• Eduardo Lopez-Cervantes, 22, of Martinsburg Pike in Stephenson. Lopez-Cervantes was in possession of 10 ounces of cocaine when he was arrested, Eckman said.

• Christian Hernandez, 20, of an unknown address.

• Jose Raul Diaz-Marqez, 26, of an unknown address.

Diaz-Marquez and Hernandez each were in possession of 10 ounces of cocaine and $7,000 when arrested, Eckman said.

Daily Staff Report