Two Men Arrested in September Cocaine Investigation
Officers seized drugs and stolen firearms from the pair, who entered the U.S. in 1980.
Updated on Sept. 26, 2026 in Drug Crime
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Police arrested 89-year-old Cesar Valdes and 73-year-old Magdaleno Medina on September 9, 2026, following a narcotics investigation in Miami. The men face multiple felony charges including drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession.
Why it matters
The case highlights local efforts to address narcotics activity and illegal firearm possession in city neighborhoods. Both suspects remain in a Miami jail under immigration detainers as they face their charges.
Police recovered over $4,800 in cash during the September 9 search, following an earlier undercover purchase of $60 in cocaine. The suspects, who have resided in the U.S. illegally for 45 years, remain in custody.
The players
Cesar Valdes
An 89-year-old resident charged with five felonies related to narcotics and firearms.
Magdaleno Medina
A 73-year-old resident charged with eight felonies related to narcotics and firearms.
The details
Police executed a search warrant at a trailer where they discovered cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, and stolen firearms. Medina faces eight felony charges and Valdes faces five; both men have pleaded not guilty. ICE detainers have been placed on both individuals, who were each issued final orders of exclusion in the 1990s.
Timeline
May 1980: Valdes and Medina entered the U.S. near Key West.
March 10, 1993: Valdes received a final order of exclusion.
July 24, 1996: Medina received a final order of exclusion.
August 19, 2026: An undercover officer purchased cocaine from Medina.
September 9, 2026: Police arrested both men after searching their residence.
Beyond the 305
The men's arrival in May 1980 coincides with the timeframe of the 1980 Mariel boatlift. Their legal status has been contested since the 1990s, when both were issued final orders of exclusion.
Residents in the area near the site of the narcotics search warrant should watch for continued police activity as the case moves through the court system. The suspects are being held without release as they face their pending felony charges.
The takeaway
The case is a reminder that local authorities continue to track illegal firearm and narcotics distribution in the community. Monitor local court dockets for updates on future hearings for both defendants.
Further reading
For more on enforcement efforts in our area, visit the Drug Crime section.
Live Poll
Should the justice system prioritize deportation for elderly, long-term illegal residents facing felony charges?
