Magdaleno Medina, 73, and Cesar Valdes, 89, are facing felony drug and firearm charges in Miami-Dade County after an undercover cocaine purchase and a subsequent search. Police said they found cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, stolen firearms and more than $4,800 at a trailer linked to the investigation. Immigration officials say both men entered the United States without inspection near Key West in May 1980 and had remained unlawfully for more than 45 years. Both men have pleaded not guilty and are being held with immigration detainers.
| 1) | Undercover purchase leads to investigation |
| 2) | Search uncovers drugs, guns and cash |
| 3) | Immigration history dates to 1980 |
| 4) | Felony charges and prior records |
| 5) | Defendants remain in custody |
Undercover purchase leads to investigation
The case began in Miami on Aug. 19, when a Miami Police Department undercover officer allegedly purchased $60 worth of cocaine from Magdaleno Medina. Court records identify the transaction as the starting point for the narcotics investigation. The alleged sale occurred before police obtained a search warrant for the location associated with Medina.
The investigation focused on suspected cocaine distribution and possible firearms violations. Medina is accused of selling the drug, while prosecutors later filed multiple felony counts connected to drug possession, trafficking and firearm possession. The allegations remain unresolved in court, and both defendants have entered not-guilty pleas.
Search uncovers drugs, guns and cash
Police returned to the trailer on Sept. 9 with a narcotics search warrant. Officers said they found Cesar Valdes at the location with Medina during the search. The reported evidence included dozens of clear bags containing cocaine and marijuana, ammunition, stolen firearms and more than $4,800 in cash.
The items formed the basis for the firearm and drug allegations against both men. Medina faces charges that include possession of cocaine with intent to sell, cocaine trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Valdes faces five similar felony charges tied to drugs and firearms.
Immigration history dates to 1980
Immigration officials say the two men entered the United States from Cuba without inspection near Key West, Florida, on different days in May 1980. That information emerged after their arrests on the Miami criminal allegations. Officials believe Medina had been in the country unlawfully for 46 years, while Valdes had allegedly remained unlawfully for the same period.
Both men previously received final orders of exclusion from immigration judges. Medina’s order was issued on July 24, 1996, and Valdes’s was issued on March 10, 1993. The former exclusion process applied before a new removal-proceedings system took effect in April 1997.
Felony charges and prior records
Medina has four prior felony convictions in the United States, according to immigration officials. Those convictions involved cocaine smuggling, drug possession and drug trafficking. Authorities said details about the earlier arrests and convictions were not available, including whether he served time in jail.
Valdes has prior Miami-Dade County records involving cocaine possession and a probation violation during the 1980s and 1990s. It was also unclear whether he served time in custody for those cases. The current charges are allegations, and the available records do not establish the final outcome of the pending prosecution.
Defendants remain in custody
Magdaleno Medina and Cesar Valdes are being held in a Miami jail while their criminal cases proceed. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has placed detainers on both men, meaning immigration authorities are seeking custody or notification if they would otherwise be released from local detention.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty in Miami-Dade County. An attorney representing them declined to comment. Any future immigration action will be separate from the county criminal proceedings and will depend on the outcome of the cases and applicable immigration procedures.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | An undercover officer allegedly bought $60 worth of cocaine from Medina on Aug. 19. |
| 2 | A Sept. 9 search reportedly found drugs, stolen firearms, ammunition and cash. |
| 3 | Immigration officials say both men entered near Key West in May 1980. |
| 4 | Medina faces eight felony charges, while Valdes faces five. |
| 5 | Both men pleaded not guilty and have immigration detainers. |
Summary
The Miami case combines allegations of cocaine trafficking, firearm possession and long-standing immigration violations. Police investigations and the search warrant produced the current criminal charges, while immigration records indicate that both defendants had prior exclusion orders. The allegations must still be tested in court, and the defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges does Magdaleno Medina face?
Medina faces eight felony charges, including possession of cocaine with intent to sell, cocaine trafficking and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon.
What did police say they found during the search?
Police said they found dozens of clear bags containing cocaine and marijuana, ammunition, stolen firearms and more than $4,800 at the trailer.
When did the men allegedly enter the United States?
Immigration officials say the men entered without inspection near Key West on different days in May 1980.
Have the defendants entered pleas?
Yes. Medina and Valdes have pleaded not guilty to the Miami-Dade County charges. Both are being held with immigration detainers.
