AUSTIN (June 21, 2012)--Fifteen people were arrested in Austin in raids that capped a one-year investigation by local, state and federal authorities into what they suspect was a heroin trafficking ring.
An Austin police statement said the investigation "focused on the dismantling of the local cell of the Texas Syndicate prison gang."
According to the statement, the ring had daily sales estimated from $3,400 to $6,250.
Police say the drug sales were made from Jovita's, a longtime South Austin restaurant and rock club.
An indictment also seeks criminal forfeiture of Jovita's and three other properties.
The indictment, returned Tuesday and unsealed on Thursday, accuses the 15 of conspiracy.
If convicted, each of those 15 could be sentenced to 10 years to life in prison.
