Eight people face charges for their alleged involvement in a marijuana distribution and money laundering conspiracy based in El Paso that operated out of Denver and Minneapolis, according to federal officials. 

United States Attorney Robert Pitman and Drug Enforcement Administration (El Paso Division) Special Agent in Charge Joseph Arabit announced that a three-count federal grand jury indictment was unsealed Friday.

The following people face charges in this conspiracy: 

Jose Raul Marquez-Erives: Conspiracy to import a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Hector Alonso Renteria-Torres: conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

Victor Portillo: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Jesus Rodriguez-Rodriguez: Conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments.

Patricia Toriz: Conspiracy to launder monetary instruments

Jesus Estrada: Conspiracy to import a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

Roberto Ceniceros-Cervantes: Conspiracy to import a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

Manuel Salaices: Conspiracy to import a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana and conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance over 1,000 kilograms of marijuana.

The conspiracy to import a controlled substance and possess with intent to distribute charges carry a prison sentence of 10 years to life. The money laundering charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison.

The indictment states that Marquez and others were involved in a drug trafficking organization that operated in El Paso. They would receive shipments of marijuana near the area from people in Ciudad Juarez. 

The marijuana was then transported to Minneapolis via Denver, officials said.