United States Attorney Tara K. McGrath | U.S. Department of Justice
Five indictments were revealed in federal court today, charging 48 individuals linked to a drug trafficking network based in the Imperial Valley and connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. The defendants are accused of distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and engaging in bulk cash smuggling.
A coordinated operation involving over 140 law enforcement officials led to the arrest of 25 defendants and the execution of 15 search warrants across several locations including Imperial County, San Diego, Los Angeles, Stockton, Yuma (Arizona), and Las Vegas (Nevada). Authorities continue to search for 23 fugitives.
The investigation has resulted in the seizure of more than 3,600 kg (approximately 8,000 pounds) of methamphetamine along with significant quantities of other drugs and one firearm. Charges include drug trafficking, conspiracy, and bulk cash smuggling.
Court records indicate that the defendants were part of a drug trafficking organization operating out of Imperial Valley and Mexicali, Mexico with ties to Los Rusos—a faction within the Sinaloa Cartel known for its violence.
U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath stated: “This investigation represents another blow to traffickers of deadly drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.” She emphasized efforts to disrupt major drug networks while protecting communities from harmful substances.
Shawn Gibson from HSI San Diego noted: “HSI’s challenge with investigating cases tied to the Sinaloa Cartel is...to dismantle the transnational network responsible for plaguing our communities.” He credited law enforcement collaboration for the success of this operation.
Roque Caza from U.S. Customs and Border Protection highlighted: “This successful operation underscores...collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies plays in safeguarding our communities.”
El Centro Sector Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino added: “The Sinaloa Cartel...will fare poorly here in the Imperial Valley as we have just seen,” acknowledging seamless coordination between various agencies.
Undercover operations involved wiretaps leading to controlled purchases and seizures during traffic stops. On April 27, 2022, agents intercepted phone conversations about a large methamphetamine sale resulting in a seizure during a traffic stop on a tractor-trailer containing four duffel bags filled with drugs.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Owen Roth are prosecuting this case which is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations threatening U.S. security through collaborative efforts by multiple law enforcement agencies.
