A federal complaint has been filed against Erick Arriola, Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes, and Eugenio Lizama, charging them with conspiracy to distribute nearly four tons of methamphetamine. The alleged drug-laden vehicles were seized in what is described as one of the largest methamphetamine busts in the Southern District of California for 2025.
The operation was conducted by the newly formed Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, established by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security at President Trump's request. This task force aims to target transnational criminal organizations involved in various illegal activities including drug trafficking.
According to the complaint, on June 2, 2025, federal law enforcement officials surveilled four vehicles at a parking lot on Otay Mesa Road. The vehicles included two white panel vans, a white Ford F150 truck, and a semi-truck. Bundles from the semi-truck were allegedly transferred into the other vehicles before each vehicle departed separately. All three drivers were arrested by United States Border Patrol with large bundles of methamphetamine found in their vehicles.
Erick Arriola is identified as being from El Salvador and residing illegally in the U.S., having previous felony convictions for DUI, battery of a spouse, and false imprisonment. Rodriguez Reyes and Lizama are Mexican nationals.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated that "the recent formation of Homeland Security Task Force San Diego is an essential step to fulfilling the promises of Operation Take Back America." Shawn Gibson from HSI San Diego expressed enthusiasm about working with partners to combat transnational crime under this initiative.
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker emphasized collaboration between agencies as key to combating criminal organizations effectively. FBI San Diego Acting Special Agent Houtan Moshrefi noted that combining resources creates a unified response against cartel threats.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin from the Narcoterrorism Unit will prosecute this case. The defendants face charges under Title 21 for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, carrying maximum penalties of life imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.
This investigation was carried out by multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, United States Border Patrol, and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department as part of Operation Take Back America initiated through Executive Order 14159 by President Trump.
The charges remain accusations until proven otherwise in court proceedings.
