The probe began in fall 2025 after citizen complaints about Pura Vida Cocktail Bar and Restaurant on South Elm Street and a related address, with findings suggesting illegal drug sales and trafficking during business operations.

Pura Vida is owned by Ramos Restaurant Group LLC, which also owns El Patio in Raleigh, tying the two businesses to the investigation.

The investigation targeted Pura Vida and the Cedar Park Road address over alleged illegal sales and ABC permit violations associated with those sites.

A separate location at 3123 Cedar Park Road, Unit B, was identified for allegedly selling alcohol without ABC permits and operating an illegal business.

Authorities will submit a violation report to the North Carolina ABC Commission; the investigation remains ongoing with more charges anticipated and potential administrative actions like permit suspensions or revocations.

WFMY News 2 is seeking Pura Vida’s comment for updates as the case develops.

On April 19, 2026, law enforcement executed four search warrants in Greensboro as part of a months-long probe into illegal alcohol sales and drug activity linked to Pura Vida and the 3123 Cedar Park Road location.

A broad investigation led to more than 150 charges against at least 15 individuals connected to two Greensboro-area businesses, accusing them of operating a business used for drug violations, drug trafficking, cocaine distribution, and ABC permit violations.

Among those charged are a list of named individuals across Raleigh, Greensboro, Thomasville, Asheboro, Sophia, and High Point, including Braihan Josue Ramos Maldonado, Dagoberto Monge Torres, Edmundo Miranda, Jhoan Jose Romero Ynojosa, Malia Rose Johnston, Jose Ortiz, Hector Toledo-Sanchez, Omar Arellano Enriquez, Andry Cabrera Payano, Litzy Jaylene Pastor Garcia, Danny Zuninga-Vasquez, and Roman Alberto Rodallegas.

Twelve of the defendants face the bulk of the charges, including drug distribution, possession with intent to manufacture or deliver cocaine, trafficking, and ABC licensing violations.

Authorities executed additional search warrants at the residences of Miranda and Payano, expanding the investigation and tying more locations to the case.

Searches were also conducted at other Greensboro residences linked to suspects, broadening the scope of the operation.