5 Arrested After Federal Meth Bust in Oklahoma City, Ardmore

A house fire in Del City uncovered a meth lab and led to a multi-county federal investigation that’s netted five arrests.  

Del City Fire Chief Brandon Pursell said the department responded to a house fire in the 3100 block of Beachwood Drive in July.  

“No occupants were there so no one was outside meeting us,” Pursell said. “We need to make an interior search... to see if we have anyone there.”  

Once inside, firefighters found lab equipment, containers, and small amounts of methamphetamine.  

“We haven't seen these types of labs in 20 years or so,” Pursell said. “So, we were really caught off guard.”  

The department called the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to assist. According to a federal affidavit, agents found receipts and documents that led them to a home in Ardmore.  

After an undercover agent attempted to purchase meth from the group of suspects on Thursday, agents searched a home in the 1600 block of 7th Ave NW, along with a neighbor’s backyard shed.  

In Ardmore, agents found 30 “Ziplock style bags” filled with meth, as well as several containers of the drug in liquid form, and more.  

In total, agents found 30 kilograms of crystalized methamphetamine and 51 gallons of liquid meth.  

Federal Oklahoma City prosecutors on Thursday charged five suspects: Mario Marrero, Oscar Rodriguez-Reyes, Jose Rosas, Brayan Aguilar-Aguilar, and Malcom Costa.  

Attorney Ed Blau was appointed by the court to represent Rosas. He told News 9 Friday they have no comment on the charge at this time.  

An attorney for Marrero, Patrick Quillian, said, “We have yet to see any evidence in the case and are therefore unable to comment. We do, however, look forward to proving Mr. Marrero’s innocence.  

Attorneys for the other three suspects did not return a request for comment Friday evening.  

The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics also announced a meth bust in “central and southern” Oklahoma on Friday, however a spokesperson for the agency said he cannot comment on whether the two cases are related due to pending investigations.  

Related: Oklahoma Bureau Of Narcotics Seizes 589 Pounds Of Meth In Large Bust 

The OBN seized more than 580 lbs. of meth in the bust, which is the largest in the agency’s history. Spokesperson Mark Woodward said OBN agents worked with Ardmore police and the DEA in the investigation.