Drug dealer indicted in overdose death; faces up to life in prison

An alleged drug dealer arrested in relation to an overdose death has been indicted in federal court, authorities said.

A federal grand jury charged Juan Torres-Zuniga on July 23 with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl and possess with intent to distribute 400 grams and more of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl.

Torres-Zuniga faces at least 10 years and up to life in prison per count. His arraignment is set for Aug. 1.

At about 9:30 p.m. July 4, the Laredo DEA Overdose Task Force, the Laredo Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit and patrol officers responded to an overdose scene that had occurred at the apartments in the 3800 block of Convent Avenue.

Police learned from witnesses that a 25-year-old deceased male had purchased drugs from an individual who resided in the Convent apartments. Investigators went to conduct knock-and-talks at the apartments and eventually made contact with Torres-Zuniga, states the arrest affidavit.

Torres-Zuniga allowed authorities to search his residence. A search of the apartment yielded a glass jar containing a green leafy substance resembling marijuana. Torres-Zuniga was informed of this finding, according to court documents.

Torres-Zuniga was then told that investigators would do a more thorough search. He told investigators to continue searching and that there was nothing else in the apartment, authorities said.

Authorities then found a cardboard box which had a plastic baggie containing smaller plastic baggies with a white powdery substance. The substance was tested and was found to have traces of fentanyl. It weighed about 429 grams, the affidavit states.

Law enforcement then detained Torres-Zuniga and his girlfriend. He was taken to LPD headquarters. Investigators told him of what was found inside his apartment.

“Torres-Zuniga admitted that the apartment was his and that the drugs contained in the apartment belonged to him, and not (his girlfriend). Torres-Zuniga also admitted to selling drugs,” the affidavit states.