DEA seeks yacht, planes, Lake Travis mansion in Austin drug trafficking case
Posted: Wed, 9 Sep 2026 12:51 PM - 10 Readers
By: Paul Flahive
Federal authorities have charged at least 14 people tied to what they call the Valle Drug Trafficking Organization in Austin. Court filings say the group operated in at least six states from March 2022 until December. Indictments include conspiracy to distribute hundreds of pounds of marijuana and THC products; some defendants also face money-laundering charges. The DEA is seeking forfeiture of assets listed in court records, including more than $2 million in cash and bank accounts, a 2021 Azimut yacht, two planes, a Rolls-Royce and other cars, and a 6,700-square-foot mansion at 6412 Lantern View Drive in Jonestown that overlooks Lake Travis and has been advertised for rent at $21,500 a month.
Defense attorney Amber Vazquez, who represents one defendant, questioned why federal agents are targeting marijuana when it is legal for recreational use in 24 states and for medical use in 41, including Texas. She described her client, Elijah Marrero, as a young person hired for odd jobs. Twelve names appear on the unsealed indictment; others, including Sergio Valle, are named in related filings. Valle is listed as president of SAD Capital. Real estate agent Shailene Smith is named in other court papers and listed the Jonestown house for rent. Valle and Smith were scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Austin. Prosecutors have not commented.
