“Operation Curbside” Lands Facebook Drug Dealer in Jail

Thanks to the social media, police made their arrest. This young man, advertised his illicit merchandise on Facebook.

Social media like Facebook and Twitter are key tools, more common than ever, for communicating. But now, at least in San Juan, police are monitoring these sites to fight street-level dealing.

This last case led police to arrest 22-year-old Estevan Vela, who today went up before a judge for delivery of marijuana in a drug-free zone.

In his Facebook status he wrote: “any caterpillars who like that leaf, for your relief message me. Leaf be lime with purple specks, hope you catch my drift…”

The Special Investigations Unit, acted quickly. They sent an undercover officer, who purchased marijuana from vela. A search warrant was executed at his home where he was arrested. It’s all part of “Operation Curbside” targeting street drug dealing.

In Vela’s home, authorities seized marijuana and cocaine, as well as material to package it. He’s already in the Hidalgo County Jail, with a fine of $50,000.

Victoria Acosta-Rubio, FOX 2 News.