THE LONE STAR FUGITIVE TASK FORCE ANNOUNCES THE ARREST OF MAN THAT ATTEMPTED TO SMUGGLE BLACK TAR HEROIN ON AIRPLANE

San Antonio – The United States Marshals Service sponsored Gulf Coast Violent Offenders Task Force (GCVOTF) in McAllen, Texas, arrested Michael Steven Alaniz who was wanted on Federal drug charges out of San Antonio.

On Monday, September 3, Michael Alaniz checked his luggage on a flight bound for Chicago with a final destination of Cleveland, Ohio. Alert Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Screeners spotted something suspicious in the luggage of Alaniz. The San Antonio Airport Police were then requested to take a closer inspection. San Antonio Airport Police identified what appeared to be black tar heroin that was heavily concealed in wrapping. Alaniz apparently was watching from afar to see if his luggage made it through screening. When he noticed his luggage had been stopped, Alaniz fled from the San Antonio Airport. Shortly thereafter, an arrest warrant was issued charging Alaniz with Possession With Intent to Distribute approximately 987 grams of Black Tar Heroin. Since Alaniz was nowhere to be found and on the run, the Lone Star Fugitive Task Force (LSFTF) was contacted for assistance and immediately went to work. LSFTF members partnered with the San Antonio Airport Police and Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration. In a collaborative effort, information was developed that led LSFTF members to believe that Alaniz had fled back to where most of his family and friends lived, McAllen, Texas. The GCVOTF McAllen, Division immediately responded and watched multiple target locations. They helped end his flight at approximately 11:00 p.m. Wednesday night. Alaniz will soon be returned to San Antonio to face his charges.

The United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas LaFayette Collins said, “Mr. Alaniz thought his final destination would be Cleveland. Instead he wound up in the cross-bar motel.”

PARTICIPATING AGENCIES IN THIS ARREST:

• Drug Enforcement Administration
• San Antonio Airport Police Department
• San Antonio Police Department-Repeat Offender Program
• Transportation Security Administration
• United States Marshals Service and the United States Attorney’s Office