A sweeping federal operation has led to the unsealing of five indictments, charging 48 individuals involved in a drug trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. The group is accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin, as well as smuggling bulk cash across borders.
The coordinated takedown, executed Thursday morning, involved over 140 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials. The operation resulted in the arrest of 25 defendants and the execution of 15 search warrants in locations across Imperial County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Stockton, Yuma, Arizona, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Authorities are still searching for 23 fugitives.
Throughout the investigation, authorities have seized over 3,600 kg (about 8,000 pounds) of methamphetamine, along with substantial amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and a firearm. The defendants are alleged to be part of a trafficking operation based in the Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico, with connections to Los Rusos, a violent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath called the bust a “significant step” in disrupting the cartel’s deadly drug trade, particularly the trafficking of fentanyl and methamphetamine, which have been devastating communities. Special Agent Shawn Gibson from HSI San Diego emphasized the importance of dismantling these transnational networks, while Roque Caza of U.S. Customs and Border Protection reiterated the critical role of collaboration between agencies to protect communities and prevent dangerous drugs from entering the U.S.
In addition to undercover operations, wiretaps, and controlled buys, authorities conducted traffic stops and searched multiple stash houses, including one high-profile bust on April 27, 2022, where 256 pounds of methamphetamine were seized from a drug-laden tractor-trailer.