Two men were arrested on charges related to human trafficking and drug trafficking following a multi-month investigation conducted in coordination with federal law enforcement partners. On January 22, 2026, at approximately 7:41 p.m., members of the Columbus Police Department’s Special Operations Unit assisted the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) by conducting a traffic stop on Victory Drive near 10th Avenue as part of an ongoing federal investigation into human trafficking involving sexual servitude.
The vehicle was being driven by Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno, 53. As a result of the investigation, search warrants were executed at two residences connected to the case, one located on Lacey Oak Court and the other on Clay Drive. Members of CPD’s Special Victims Unit assisted with executing the search warrants at both locations. Evidence recovered from the residences linked both locations to human trafficking and drug trafficking activity.
During the execution of the search warrant at the Clay Drive residence, officers came into contact with Brandon Reyes Escano, 23, who was taken into custody at the scene.
Items seized from the Lacey Oak Court residence include:
• 47.4 grams of methamphetamine (estimated street value: $4,780)
• 8.3 grams of marijuana (estimated street value: $83)
• Three digital scales
• 24 glass smoking devices
• Ruger LCP firearm
• TR Inc RZ17 Tactical 12-gauge firearm
• Condoms
• Two cellular phones
Items seized from the Clay Drive residence include:
• 100+ condoms
• A ledger
• Multiple bottles of lubricant
• Vaginal cream (Canestren V/Clotrimazol)
• Rixtal
• Zertalin
• Itraconazol
• A Mexican passport
• A box of lingerie
Arrestees:
Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno, 53 – Hispanic male
• Trafficking of Persons for Labor or Sexual Servitude
• Trafficking Methamphetamine
• Pimping
• Keeping a Place of Prostitution
Brandon Reyes-Escano, 23 – Hispanic male
• Trafficking of Persons for Labor or Sexual Servitude
• Trafficking Methamphetamine
• Pimping
• Keeping a Place of Prostitution
Both suspects are currently being held at the Muscogee County Jail and are scheduled to appear in Recorder’s Court on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The investigation was led by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The arrested individuals were identified as having affiliations with Cártel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). Raul Reyes-Nepomuceno was found to be unlawfully present in the United States. The Columbus Police Department assisted federal partners throughout the investigation.
We appreciate the professionalism and focused coordination demonstrated by our federal partners, as this case highlights how effective cooperation between local and federal agencies can disrupt organized criminal activity that exploits vulnerable individuals and threatens public safety. The investigation remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as appropriate.
