LUBBOCK, TEXAS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)), published as received.

LUBBOCK, Texas — United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould announced that Paul Rene Rocha, Jr., 36, of Lubbock, was charged by criminal complaint with possession with intent to distribute cocaine following his arrest on Sept. 8, 2026. 

“Drug traffickers present a direct and destabilizing threat to the safety and security of our neighborhoods,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. “This activity fuels violence erodes community trust and endangers families across Lubbock. Protecting the public requires unified action, and this case reflects the critical importance of partnerships between federal, state and local law enforcement. Together, we will continue to aggressively pursue those who profit from harming our communities and ensure they are held fully accountable under federal law.”

According to the complaint, narcotics agents in Lubbock discovered that Rocha was allegedly a major drug trafficker in the area and identified a storage building he visited frequently. On Tuesday, Sept. 8, agents observed Rocha entering and leaving the unit. After watching him meet with another individual in what appeared to be a drug transaction, agents stopped that person and recovered several ounces of cocaine. They then obtained a search warrant for the storage building. 

Inside, they located a firearm and approximately 18 kilograms of suspected cocaine:

Agents also obtained a warrant to search Rocha’s residence in Lubbock. Inside, they located another firearm and approximately $56,000 in currency hidden in an appliance. 

The full seizure is depicted below:

Rocha is currently in custody and will make his initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at a later date.

This investigation was carried out by the Caprock Division of the Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area and the Texas Anti-Gang initiatives with the collaboration of the Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; Lubbock Police Department; Lubbock County Sherriff’s Office and Texas Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from the Lubbock Division are prosecuting the case. 

A complaint is merely an allegation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.