Miami Field Division
Photo used under Creative Commons from Wikimedia user Averette
Welcome to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Miami Field Division. Our Division is responsible for ATF criminal enforcement and industry regulatory activities in Florida and the Caribbean. Our dedicated work force is comprised of special agents, investigators, explosive enforcement officers, auditors, technicians and support staff.
ATF is committed to reducing violent crime in our neighborhoods. ATF’s Miami Field Division special agents combat firearms violence by focusing their investigative efforts on armed violent offenders, career criminals, gun traffickers and gangs. We also work in partnership with other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies throughout South Florida and the Caribbean to accomplish this mission.
Explosives and arson enforcement is an integral part of ATF’s overall violent crime reduction strategy. ATF’s Miami Field Division special agents combat arson and explosives-related crimes by conducting independent investigations and by working in partnership with local and state fire investigators and police bomb squads.
ATF also has the duty of regulating the firearms and explosives industries. Our industry operations investigators work to ensure that all firearms and explosives are stored, handled and sold in a safe manner as mandated by federal law.
We encourage all residents to get involved and assist us in our goal of reducing crime in our communities. Give us a call and let us know what we can do for you. Our phone number is (305) 597-4800.
Hugo Barrera
Division Management Team
- Hugo Barrera
- Special Agent In Charge (SAC)
- Joseph Anarumo
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Raymond Fragoso
- Assistant Special Agent In Charge (ASAC)
- Kathy West
- Director of Industry Operations (DIO)
- Vacant
- Public Information Officer (PIO)
Division Contact Information
Receive Miami Press Release Updates
74 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of Carolina
May 30, 2012
SAN JUAN, PR — On May 24, 2012, a federal grand jury indicted 74 individuals as a result of an investigation led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez–Vélez. DEA also collaborated during the investigation.More »
Open Letter to All Federal Firearms Licensees (FFLS)
November 28, 2011
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has received a number of inquiries regarding recent changes to Florida law and how they many affect Florida county oridinances that require sellers to wait five days before delivering a firearm. The purpose of this open letter is to provide guidance on the issue and to assist Federal Firearms Licensees (FFL)s in complying with Federal firearms laws and regulations.More »
132 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of San Juan
December 10, 2010
SAN JUAN, PR — On December 8, 2010, a federal grand jury indicted one hundred and thirty-two (132) individuals as a result of an investigation by the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Bureau (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) — San Juan Strike Force, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendants are charged in a six-count indictment with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and with distribution of narcotics and controlled substances. Count two charges twenty (20) defendants of using and carrying firearms during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime. More »
Two Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in Dadeland Mall Robbery and Murder
November 3, 2010
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, and Amos Rojas, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), announced the November 2 sentencing of defendants, Dwight Carter, 26, and Emmanuel Maxime, 25, for their participation in the December 1, 2008, armored car robbery and murder of a guard at the Dadeland Mall. U.S. District Court Judge Jose E. Martinez sentenced both defendants to life in prison. The defendants had been previously tried separately and convicted in July and August 2010, respectively. More »
Five Miami-Dade Men Indicted for Armed Robbery Spree
November 3, 2010
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, and Amos Rojas, Jr., Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), announced the November 2, 2010 indictment of five individuals for their alleged participation in an armed robbery conspiracy. More »
Member of the Krazy Locos Criminal Street Gang Sentenced to Life Imprisonment Following Convictions for Two Homicides, Robbery, and Firearms Charges
October 22, 2010
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Anthony V. Mangione, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Homeland Security Investigations, Miami Field Office, and Ric L. Bradshaw, Sheriff, Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, announced today the sentencing of Manuel DeJesus Medina, a member of the Krazy Locos criminal street gang of Lake Worth, Florida. Medina, 19, was sentenced to life imprisonment, followed by a consecutive term of 420 months’ imprisonment, on charges related to two homicides committed in Palm Beach County during January and February 2009. More »
68 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in Loíza, Puerto Rico
October 21, 2010
On October 20, 2010, a federal grand jury indicted sixty-eight (68) individuals as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Bureau (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD), announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. The defendants are charged in three separate two-count indictments, with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute narcotics and conspiracy to possess and use firearms during and in relation to a drug related offense. More »
Twenty Individuals Indicted for Participation in Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Using the U.S. Mail and Other Postal Violations
September 29, 2010
A federal grand jury indicted twenty (20) individuals, in four different indictments, as a result of an investigation lead by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and USPS-Office of Inspector General (USPS-OIG), announced today United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, Rosa Emilia Rodríguez Vélez. Seven of the indicted individuals are mail carriers for the US Postal Service. More »
Okeechobee Gun Dealer Indicted for Machine Gun Sales
September 17, 2010
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, and Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, announced yesterday’s indictment of defendant Edward Todd Basile, 47, of Okeechobee, Florida, on federal firearms law violations, in violation of 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(a)(6), 922(b)(5), and 922(g)(3), and transfer of unregistered machine guns, in violation of 26 U.S.C. § 5861 (e). More »
Jury Convicts Two in Dadeland Mall Robbery and Murder
August 16, 2010
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), and James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, announced that Miami juries convicted two defendants, Dwight Carter, 26, and Emmanuel Maxime, 25, for their roles in the December 1, 2008, armored car robbery and murder of a guard at the Dadeland Mall. The defendants were tried separately. More »
DEA Investigation Results in 12 Individuals Indicted for Participation in Drug Conspiracy
August 5, 2010
Javier F. Peña, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez, announced the arrest of nine of twelve individuals indicted by a federal grand jury on federal drug charges. On August 3, 2010, a federal grand jury indicted these individuals for their participation in a conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute, and conspiracy to distribute cocaine, crack and heroin in Puerto Rico. More »
Seven Miami Men Sentenced in Connection With Little Haiti Drug and Gun Sweep
July 16, 2010
Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Miami Field Office, James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, Miguel A. Exposito, Chief, City of Miami Police Department, and Richard Naue, Chief, Coral Gables Police Department, announced the sentences of Junior Sylvin, 26, Niko Thompson, 30, Frantz Sterlin, 29, Chris Victor, 28, Tarvus Daniels, 26, Gordon Louis, 35, and Ziv Bythol, 28, all of Miami. More »
DEA Lead Investigation Result in 110 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking in the Municipality of Bayamón, Puerto Rico
July 16, 2010
Rosa Emilia-Rodríguez-Vélez, United States Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico, announced today that on July 14, 2010, a federal grand jury indicted one hundred and ten (110) individuals as a result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) - Bayamón Strike Force. More »
70 Individuals Indicted for Drug Trafficking
May 11, 2010
On May 5, 2010, a federal grand jury indicted seventy (70) individuals as a result of an investigation led by the Alcohol, Tobacco, Explosives and Firearms Bureau (ATF), in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Puerto Rico Police Department (PRPD) Carolina Strike Force Unit, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. More »
Three Indicted for Illegal Arms Sales to Bolivia
April 2, 2010
Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (“ATF”), and James K. Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department (“MDPD”), announced the April 1, 2010 indictment of Moises Vargas Rojas, 22, of Miami, Frank Roman Goycochea, 20, of Miami, and Alfredo Asbun, 51, of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, in connection with their participation in an alleged conspiracy to illegally export arms to Bolivia. More »
5 Men and 2 Women Indicted for Drug Trafficking
March 12, 2010
On March 3, a federal grand jury indicted seven (7) individuals for conspiracy and aiding and abetting to possess with intent to distribute narcotics, announced today United States Attorney Rosa Emilia Rodríguez-Vélez. Agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) were in charge of the investigation and during the arrests were assisted by the U.S. Secret Service (USSS), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) and the Police of Puerto Rico (PRPD) Carolina Strike Force. More »
Martin County Men Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Terms for Series of Armed Robberies
March 3, 2010
Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Joyce Dawley, Special Agent in Charge, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Edward M. Morley, Chief, Stuart Police Department, William McCollom, Chief, Tequesta Police Department, Frank J. Kitzerow, Chief, Jupiter Police Department, Donald Shinnamon, Chief, Port St. Lucie Police Department, R. Sean Baldwin, Chief, Fort Pierce Police Department, Ken J. Mascara, Sheriff, St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office, and Robert L. Crowder, Sheriff, Martin County Sheriff’s Office, announce that Michael Shane Ragland and Deshawn Kenneth James were sentenced on March 1, 2010, by U.S. District Court Judge K. Michael Moore. More »
Defendant Pleaded Guilty to Armed Robbery of South Florida Businesses
March 3, 2010
Jeffrey S. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), James Loftus, Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, Rafael P. Hernandez, Jr., Chief, North Miami Beach Police Department, and Richard Naue, Chief, City of Coral Gables Police Department, announced that defendant Frankie Medrano, 29, formerly of West Palm Beach and Miami, has pleaded guilty to firearms charges related to his participation in 16 robberies occurring between May and July 2009. More »
Prepared Remarks of Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera at the Operation Smoking Gun Press Conference
February 19, 2010
Let me begin by saying that the HIDTA Task Force concept is the seamless integration of federal, state and local law enforcement and is the reason that this operation was so successful. More »
Hoover, Ala. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Denver, Colo. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Miami, Fla. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Fulton County, Ga. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Lexington, Ky. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
University of Kentucky Police Department Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Chattanooga, Tenn. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Nashville, Tenn. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Arlington, Texas Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Houston, Texas Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Falls Church, Va. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Front Royal, Va. Explosives Detection Canine Helps Miami Prepare for Super Bowl XLIV
February 5, 2010
Not everyone participating in this year’s Super Bowl is a football player. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have fielded their best players to help prepare for a safe and secure Super Bowl XLIV. These pros include ATF K-9 explosives detection teams that have been deployed to Miami from around the country. The K-9 teams are working side-by-side with other federal, state and local law-enforcement officers to keep the football teams and fans safe throughout this event. More »
Prepared Remarks of Special Agent in Charge Hugo Barrera at the Super Bowl XLIV Security News Conference
February 2, 2010
While the NFL has brought its best teams to South Florida, the best teams in public safety are already on the ground. As with all of our public safety partners, ATF’s primary goal is to help provide a safe, secure and enjoyable Super Bowl experience for the fans, the teams and the citizens of South Florida. We began planning collectively for this year’s event since the last Super Bowl in Miami. More »
Member of Opa-Locka Drug Gang Sentenced on Narcotics and Gun Charges
January 7, 2010
Jeffrey H. Sloman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, John V. Gillies, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Miami Field Office, Hugo Barrera, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Mark R. Trouville, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement Administration, Miami Field Division, James K. Loftus, Interim Director, Miami-Dade Police Department, and Rodney Ballentine, Chief, City of Opa-Locka Police Department, announced the sentencing of the final defendant in Operation Cold Turkey. On January 5, 2010, U.S. District Court Judge Donald M. Middlebrooks sentenced defendant Erick Hinds to 248 months in prison, following his October 2009 trial on gun and drug charges in connection with a drug trafficking gang that operated in the City of Opa-Locka. More »