July 30, 2015
Contact: Erin Knight-Grimming
Phone Number: (571) 362-1128
For Immediate Release

Founder And Former Owner Of Yuca Sentenced For His Role In A Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine

MIAMI - A.D. Wright, Special Agent in Charge, Drug Enforcement (DEA), Miami Field Division, and Wifredo A. Ferrer, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, made the announcement. 

Efrain Veiga, 64, of Miami, was sentenced yesterday to twenty-four months imprisonment, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.  Veiga had previously pleaded guilty to violating Title 21, United States Code, Section 846.

According to court records, Veiga was the founder and former owner of Yuca, a restaurant in Miami Beach, Florida.  In November 2014, the DEA initiated an investigation into Veiga’s drug-trafficking activities, based on information that Veiga was distributing methamphetamine in Miami Beach.  On November 21, 2014, the DEA conducted a controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Veiga at his apartment, during which Veiga sold approximately 70 grams of methamphetamine in exchange for $3,600.  The drug transaction was captured on video.  A subsequent laboratory analysis of the methamphetamine determined the drug was 94.7% pure.  On December 4, 2014, the DEA executed a search warrant at Veiga’s apartment.  DEA agents found digital scales, a portion of the funds used for the controlled purchase and a bag containing a small portion of methamphetamine.  Upon entering the apartment’s bathroom, agents also found a plastic bag containing methamphetamine residue floating in the toilet.  Two individuals who occupied the residence at the time of the search had attempted to dispose of the methamphetamine.  The bag had contained two ounces of methamphetamine.

This case was the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task (OCDETF), a partnership between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. The OCDETF mission is to identify, investigate, and prosecute high level members of drug trafficking enterprises, bringing together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement.

This investigation was conducted by the DEA.  This case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.