Massive Drug Pipeline From Mexico to Upstate New York Uncovered

Seven men have been charged in connection with a violent drug trafficking operation that federal prosecutors say funneled narcotics from Mexico into New York’s Hudson Valley. Authorities believe the organization was not only responsible for large-scale drug smuggling but also for shootings, robberies, firearms trafficking, and even murder.

Federal Indictment Names Seven Defendants

A recently unsealed indictment charges Carlos Molina Rodriguez, Samuel “Lobo” Blain, Carlos “Bway” Martinez, Kalif “Leef” Cox, Justice “Just” Beard, Calvin “Ski” Lewis, and Emmanuel Idyis.

The men face a wide range of serious federal charges, including:

Drug trafficking and racketeering
Firearms trafficking
Child exploitation offenses
Violent crimes in aid of racketeering, including murder

Officials say the group operated under the umbrella of a Mexico-based trafficking network known as the Molina DOT, allegedly led by Rodriguez, Blain, and others.

How the Drugs Reached the Hudson Valley

According to prosecutors, the operation began no later than 2022 and continued through April 2025. Smugglers allegedly used specially modified minivans to transport narcotics across the U.S.-Mexico border into California.

From there, the shipments traveled cross-country to Middletown, New York, where they were distributed throughout Orange County and surrounding communities. Authorities say the network moved significant quantities of crystal methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine.

Local Distribution by the “Forbes List” Gang

Once the drugs arrived in New York, they were allegedly distributed by a local gang known as the Forbes List, led by Carlos “Bway” Martinez.

Prosecutors claim Martinez oversaw distribution operations with assistance from Cox, Beard, Lewis, Idyis, and others. Beyond drug sales, officials say the gang engaged in robberies, firearms trafficking, and violent turf disputes that endangered residents across the Hudson Valley.

Violence and Tragedy

Authorities tied the group to several violent incidents, including a 2019 shooting in Newburgh that claimed the life of an innocent bystander.

Prosecutors allege that Kalif “Leef” Cox fatally shot Amed Alberto Alvarado Baquedano during a gang-related gunfight. The killing underscored the danger posed by the group’s activities and further intensified law enforcement efforts to dismantle the network.

Federal Response

In announcing the charges, U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton condemned the group’s disregard for public safety:

“The wide-ranging criminal conduct described in this indictment shows a troubling indifference to the safety of New Yorkers that cannot be tolerated.”

The case represents one of the largest drug pipeline investigations in recent years in the Hudson Valley, bringing together federal, state, and local agencies in a coordinated effort to curb cross-border trafficking and violent gang activity.

What Comes Next

The defendants now face trial in federal court, where they could receive decades-long prison sentences if convicted. Prosecutors say the case highlights both the dangers of international drug pipelines and the violent impact such networks can have on local communities.

For Hudson Valley residents, the arrests offer a measure of relief, but officials stress that ongoing vigilance and enforcement remain essential to preventing similar operations from taking root in the region again.