Authorities seized more than $200,000 in cash, which investigators believe is tied to a drug trafficking operation.
SAN ANTONIO — A high-ranking member of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang is behind bars after a major raid by Bexar County deputies turned up guns, cash, and stolen property, Sheriff Javier Salazar said Wednesday.
Deputies with the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office SWAT team executed a narcotics search warrant on Oct. 30 at a home in the 1200 block of Cantrell Drive. Inside, investigators said they found 33 firearms, two body armor vests, and a large collection of Bandidos gang insignia and merchandise.
Authorities also seized more than $200,000 in cash, which investigators believe is tied to a drug trafficking operation. A stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a stolen pistol were also recovered from the property.
The suspect, identified as 60-year-old Anselmo Barrera, was arrested and booked into the Bexar County Jail. Deputies say Barrera is a documented member of the Bandidos and holds rank within the organization.
He faces a charge of possession of body armor by a convicted felon, a third-degree felony. Additional charges may be forthcoming, according to the sheriff’s office.
“Anytime we can get somebody that’s got such a criminal history with so many things found, that we know from the intel that was gathered that they hold rank within an organized crime group, it’s absolutely a win for us,” Salazar said.
The sheriff added that removing dangerous individuals linked to organized crime remains a top priority.
“Certainly, those are the kinds of folks that we enjoy getting off the streets,” he said. “This organization is one that goes back decades and decades. Anytime somebody’s part of a bigger organization like that, geared toward furthering some sort of criminal enterprise, that’s why we have our organized crime group. And they’re very good at what they do.”
Barrera remains in custody as the investigation continues.