Splendora, TEXAS

October 9, 2008 - Elena Ducoing, 40, a first grade teacher at Greenleaf Elementary School in the Splendora Independent School District, was arrested, accused of trafficking drugs and money laundering. Ducoing was indicted Sept. 30.

Investigators believe she is linked to one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, Los Zetas Gulf Cartel. (Wikipedia entry.) Last month her husband, Roberto Munoz, 47, was arrested for his suspected role in the cartel. Investigators believe he was moving drugs in and out of the U.S. and laundering millions of dollars

Police found 10 pounds of marijuana and three grams, a money-counting machine, $2,300 in cash and other items used to package and transport money and drugs and 3 grams of cocaine in her possession. The drugs were found in the couple's master bedroom closet and garage. The couple have three children.

Members of the Los Zetas/Gulf Cartel are believed to be responsible for numerous murders, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Mexico and in the United States. The MCSO Special Investigative Unit began surveillance under the advice of the Drug Enforcement Administration and watched the couple for more than six months prior to the arrest.
Full Name: Elena Aranda Ducoing
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Conroe Courier News (Oct. 8)
SIU arrests Splendora teacher for drugs

Click2 Houston (Oct.9)
Teacher Accused Of Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

Houston Chronicle (Oct. 9)
Splendora ISD teacher, husband arrested on drug charges

ABC 13 (Oct. 9)
Teacher arrested for alleged drug trafficking

Washington Times (Oct. 26)
FBI warns of drug cartel arming

USA Today (Oct 2)
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Guardian UK (Oct 5)
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