Omaha Police release new information into the investigation of the double-fatal, officer-involved shooting this past February at the "Extasis Night Club" near 32nd and L .
In a news release, OPD says the investigation finds a direct connection between the two men who died, 28-year old Jonathan Hernandez-Rosales and 26-year old Fernando Rodriguez-Juarez, and the presence of illicit narcotics activities in the city of Omaha traced back to Mexico.
In the statement, police say due to a diligent and thorough follow-up investigation, information led the OPD Narcotics Unit to conduct a secondary search of the car driven by the two on the night of the shooting.
Police say during this search, $23,333 in cash and distribution quantities of cocaine were found concealed within a hidden compartment inside the car.
Police also say this is consistent with illegal narcotics trafficking.
Cars are not legally allowed to be sold with hidden compartments in the United States.
OPD says the investigation has resulted in the following:
-- Execution of a series of search warrants leading to the seizure of significant quantities of narcotics intended for distribution.
-- Confiscation of large sums of cash related to illegal narcotics sales;
-- Multiple arrests made locally;
-- Identified networks and individuals affiliated with transnational organized crime.
--Identified multiple individuals currently subject to ongoing federal, state, and local law enforcement investigations.
-- Felony arrest warrants issued for two distributors who have left the region, initiating a joint investigation with the Drug Enforcement Administration to continue pursuing them.
"Through meticulous intelligence-gathering and collaboration with federal agencies, we have disrupted significant drug trafficking operations,” said Chief Todd Schmaderer in the new release. “Our ongoing efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community and continued thorough officer-involved investigation follow-up."
The names of those arrested have not been released as the investigation continues and a grand jury will investigate the deaths under state law.
(Picture from Getty Images)