Five indictments were unsealed in federal court today, revealing charges against 48 individuals linked to a drug trafficking network associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. The organization is accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin and engaging in bulk cash smuggling.
A coordinated operation this morning involved over 140 law enforcement officials who arrested 25 defendants and executed 15 search warrants across various locations including Imperial County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Stockton, Yuma (Arizona), and Las Vegas (Nevada). Authorities are still searching for 23 fugitives.
The investigation has led to the seizure of more than 3,600 kg of methamphetamine along with significant amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and one firearm. Charges include drug trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
Court records indicate that the defendants are part of a drug trafficking organization based in Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico. This group reportedly has ties to Los Rusos, a faction within the Sinaloa Cartel known for its violence.
“This investigation represents another blow to traffickers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine,” stated U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “With the indictment of four dozen individuals, we are not only disrupting a major drug trafficking network but also taking significant steps to protect our community from the devastation these drugs cause.”
Shawn Gibson from HSI San Diego emphasized the challenge of dismantling transnational networks responsible for community harm: “The success of today’s takedown would not have been possible without the unwavering support and assistance from our law enforcement partners.”
Roque Caza from U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlighted the importance of collaboration among agencies: “This joint effort highlights our commitment to disrupting the flow of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin.”
El Centro Sector Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino commented on local efforts: “The Sinaloa Cartel and any other criminal organization will fare poorly here in the Imperial Valley as we have just seen.”
The investigation utilized undercover operations and wiretaps leading to controlled purchases and large seizures. For instance, on April 27th last year authorities seized 256 pounds of methamphetamine after intercepting phone conversations about a transaction.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Owen Roth are prosecuting this case.
This operation is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through a multi-agency approach leveraging federal state local law enforcement strengths against criminal networks.