So there is this great restaurant I visit from time to time here in Austin...

[Javaman]

they make unbelievable Tortilla soup...

Authorities raid Jovita's restaurant as 18 face federal heroin charges

http://www.statesman.com/news/local/authorities-raid-jovitas-restaurant-as-18-face-federal-2402416.html

Federal authorities are seeking to seize the well-known South Austin restaurant and music venue Jovita's under a federal indictment that charges 15 people, including three members of the family that owns the South First Street business, with heroin distribution.

Austin police said that three of those indicted — including 64-year-old Amado "Mayo" Pardo, one of the founders of Jovita's — were members of the Texas Syndicate prison gang. The organization made drug deals in and around the restaurant and was responsible for more than $6,000 in drug sales a day, police said.

Authorities said the indictment and subsequent arrests Thursday have put a major dent in the local heroin trade.

"We believe Texas Syndicate ... is one of the most violent gangs in the state," said Gary Albus, a commander with the Texas Department of Public Safety. "They mainly operate on drug trafficking, so this is a great disruption."

more at link...

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I can't even begin to tell you how shocked I am by this.

[monmouth]

1. I hope they're still going to make the soup. I mean..c'mon, heroin, shmeroin, good soup is rare..n/

[Javaman]

2. There is a "soup nazi" joke in here somewhere. nt

[monmouth]

3. Haha, I know, just couldn't think of one at the time..n/t

[bigendian]

4. All jokes aside......

If these people are guilty remember the pure hell they helped put the addicts and their families through, all for profit.

[Javaman]

7. Oh I agree...

It's just so shocking considering Jovita's has been a mainstay for South Austin for so long.

Over the last few years, they have been doing a pretty substantial upgrade to the restaurant/club. Now I know where the money was coming from.

The loss of Jovita's in that part of town will hit like an earthquake. It will be felt far and wide.

I just can't get over the fact that they were pushing Heroine. Pot, I could understand but heroine? they will get no sympathy from anyone and especially since they are tied to that Mexican gang.

[TexasTowelie]

5. First the Yassines, now Pardo.

Are there any fun places left in Austin not tied into organized crime?

[Javaman]

6. Dang, I hadn't heard about the Yassines. cripes! nt

[TexasTowelie]

8. Check the Texas Group.

I've posted several articles about them. In addition, you might want to read this one that I haven't posted where they settled a civil lawsuit for $685,000 relating to unpaid wages to former employees. The civil defense attorney for the Yassines admit that it is unlikely that any payment will actually occur though.

http://www.kvue.com/home/Yassines-appear-in-court-over-civil-suit-159774385.html

[ceile]

9. I'm shocked as well.

Just can't wrap my head around it...