San Antonio, TX – Authorities have arrested a 60-year-old man identified as a “high-ranking national member” of the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang after deputies discovered firearms, cash, stolen property, and body armor during a narcotics raid on the city’s South Side last week, according to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
The Incident: Search Warrant Leads to Major Discovery
On Thursday, deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office executed a narcotics-related search warrant at a home located in the 1200 block of Cantrell Drive, uncovering evidence of drug trafficking and gang activity.
While searching the property, investigators found a stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle, a stolen firearm, and more than $206,000 in cash suspected to have been obtained through narcotics operations.
“K-9 units alerted in multiple areas of the home, indicating narcotics could be present,” officials said in a press release.
The search extended to a detached building on the property, described by deputies as a “clubhouse” associated with the Bandidos gang.
Between the main residence and the clubhouse, authorities seized 33 firearms and two body armor vests, suggesting the location was being used to store illegal weapons and gang paraphernalia.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
Deputies also discovered Bandidos insignia, merchandise, and gang-related materials throughout the property, linking the residence to the Outlaw Motorcycle Gang’s operations in Texas.
The suspect, identified as Anselmo Barrera, was taken into custody and charged with possession of body armor by a felon, a third-degree felony under Texas law.
“He is a documented member with a high-ranking national position in the Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.
Authorities added that additional charges are expected following a forensic review of evidence seized during the raid, including digital devices and financial records.
Criminal Background and Court Proceedings
Court records show that Barrera has a long criminal history, including felony drug possession convictions in 1992 and 1996. In 2008, he was charged with hindering the apprehension of a felon, though that case was later dismissed for insufficient evidence.
He also faced a speeding violation in 2018, which resulted in a deferred adjudication agreement.
Following his arrest last week, Barrera was released from the Bexar County Jail on Sunday after posting a $65,000 bond. He is currently under full house arrest, required to submit to random drug and alcohol testing, and prohibited from possessing firearms as part of his bond conditions.
Law Enforcement and Public Safety Response
Sheriff’s deputies described the operation as part of a larger ongoing investigation targeting narcotics trafficking networks and outlaw motorcycle gangs in Bexar County and surrounding regions.
“This search warrant not only uncovered evidence of narcotics trafficking but also revealed the level of organization and resources these criminal groups possess,” a sheriff’s spokesperson said.
Authorities praised the collaboration between local law enforcement, K-9 units, and federal partners, noting that such multi-agency coordination has been crucial in dismantling gang-linked drug operations across South Texas.
Background: The Bandidos Outlaw Motorcycle Gang
The Bandidos Motorcycle Club, founded in Houston in 1966, is one of the largest outlaw motorcycle gangs in the world, with chapters across the United States, Europe, and Australia.
Federal agencies, including the FBI and Department of Justice, have long classified the organization as a criminal enterprise involved in drug trafficking, weapons smuggling, and organized crime activities.
In recent years, Texas law enforcement has stepped up enforcement against the gang’s local chapters, particularly in Bexar, Travis, and Harris counties, where members have been linked to narcotics, money laundering, and violent offenses.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Bexar County Sheriff’s Office said its Narcotics Unit continues to analyze the seized evidence and financial documents. Officials are also working with federal partners to determine whether Barrera or other Bandidos members may face federal racketeering or firearms charges.
Authorities have not ruled out additional arrests as the investigation progresses.
Conclusion
The arrest of Anselmo Barrera underscores law enforcement’s continued effort to dismantle organized drug and weapons networks in Texas. As the investigation expands, officials say they remain focused on keeping gang activity off San Antonio streets and holding high-ranking members accountable for ongoing criminal operations.
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