A federal grand jury indicted twenty-two alleged members of a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa-based Beltran Leyva Cartel for importing and distributing more than a ton of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine into the United States, laundering the illicit proceeds, and attempting to export firearms from the United States into Mexico.
According to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office, more than 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement agents detained 10 individuals and executed six search warrants in Imperial County on March 20 as part of a coordinated operation across California, Arizona, Iowa, and Colorado. The search for 12 fugitives continues this afternoon.
According to the release, authorities have confiscated more than 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,204 pounds) of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and over 750 kilograms (approximately 1,653 pounds) of fentanyl, as well as 10 firearms and more than $250,000 in narcotics proceeds.
“We have literally seized a ton of drugs that were destined to hit our streets and harm our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “By disrupting this prolific, cartel-linked trafficking network, we are preventing the devastation and violence it brings.”
“Today’s enforcement action marks the culmination of a complex, long-term HSI investigation, demonstrating the strong collaboration between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies nationwide,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “Our local communities are undoubtedly safer today, and we remain committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations that threaten our country.”
According to search warrants, the defendants were members of a transnational criminal organization centered in Mexicali, Mexico, and Imperial County that served as a distribution cell for the Beltrán Leyva Cartel, notably Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, also known as “El Chapo” Isidro. Agents used undercover operations and repeated rounds of wiretaps to execute numerous controlled transactions, traffic stops of personal automobiles and tractor trucks, and searches of homes and storage places, resulting in massive drug seizures.
Furthermore, during the fourth wave of wiretaps, one of the targets, an Imperial County-based narcotics subdistributor, was shot numerous times in Mexicali and died a few months later. Investigators suspect the subdistributor was enticed from the United States to Mexico and shot by a co-conspirator as part of their drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
Based on federal search warrants:
On Jan. 23, 2023, investigators recovered nearly 1.4 million fentanyl pills after intercepting phone discussions regarding transporting the pills in a semi-truck. Federal investigators observed the transaction from a distance before approaching the drug-laden tractor-trailer and pulling it over. Law enforcement officers discovered eight duffel bags holding roughly 148.53 kilos (327.45 pounds) in the truck’s trailer.
In another case, on May 9, 2023, investigators recovered roughly 483,000 fentanyl tablets after intercepting phone calls regarding transporting drugs in a semi-truck. Law authorities stopped the drug-laden tractor-trailer and discovered bags carrying roughly 48.30 kilograms (106.48 pounds) of fentanyl pills inside.
Shortly later, on May 25, 2023, investigators seized almost 480,000 fentanyl tablets, 72.29 kilograms of methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun with a 10-round magazine inserted and a cartridge in the chamber. After intercepting phone discussions regarding organizing the movement of narcotics in a semi-truck, federal investigators observed the narcotics being put into the tractor-trailer before conducting a traffic stop. Law enforcement officers discovered six duffel bags containing approximately 72.29 kilograms (159.37 pounds) of methamphetamine and 48.6 kilograms (107.14 pounds) of fentanyl in the truck’s trailer.
In another case, on October 9, 2023, investigators recovered roughly 139,000 fentanyl tablets and 36.66 kilograms (80.82 pounds) of methamphetamine after federal agents observed defendants unloading and transporting the drugs.
On March 14, 2024, a Brawley police officer performed a traffic stop and collected roughly 59.48 kilos (131.13 pounds) of methamphetamine.
During the investigation, federal agents seized firearms and ammunition, including two gold-plated AR-15 semi-automatic rifles hidden inside a 55-gallon barbecue grill on August 3, 2023, as well as two rifles, two pistols, approximately 2,182 ammunition rounds, and seven magazines intended for drug traffickers in Mexicali.
According to court records, five of the charged defendants have a history of immigration-related crimes, including alien smuggling, accessory after the fact to illegal entry, and selling or offering to sell a visa.
Loren G. Renner, an Assistant United States Attorney, is prosecuting this case.
