Federal authorities announced Monday that they have arrested 22 people who were part of a drug-trafficking ring for conspiring to distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine and fentanyl.
The U.S. Department of Justice said the drugs were imported into the United States from Mexico.
The big picture: Court documents state that the investigation – dubbed Operation Toxic Waste – resulted in the seizure of over 12,900 pounds of methamphetamine, over 50 pounds of fentanyl mixture, 39 pounds of cocaine and 22 pounds of heroin.
- The drug-trafficking ring smuggled the contraband in portable projectors and batteries under the guise of a legitimate transportation business.
- The organization also smuggled thousands of pounds of methamphetamine inside semi-trucks and hundreds of pounds of liquid methamphetamine in the gas tanks of cars and brought it across the border.
- The organization, which was based in Mexico, monitored the drugs by using GPS tracking devices.
What we’re watching: If convicted the defendants face a range of sentences to a maximum of 20 years, 40 years and life in prison.
- Several defendants face a minimum of five and 10 years in prison.
What they’re saying: “Criminal organizations that bring drugs here like methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin in large quantities for profit pose a direct threat to the residents of the Eastern District of California,” said U.S. Attorney Talbert. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to joining with the FBI and our other law enforcement partners to disrupt and dismantle drug trafficking organizations.”
Go deeper: The following suspects were indicted by a federal grand jury in Fresno:
- Adolfo Montiel, 45, of Lancaster, was charged in the drug-trafficking conspiracy as well as with distribution of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Between January and March 2023, Montiel used his residence as a “stash house” to store, package, and distribute the organization’s drugs to dealers throughout California and other states. He also illegally possessed and sold firearms.
- Jose Nunez, 42, of Lancaster, was charged in the drug-trafficking conspiracy. Between April 2023 and May 2024, Nunez used residences in Los Angeles County to store, package, and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. He also operated a methamphetamine laboratory in Los Angeles County.
- Jesus Perez Garcia Jr., 24, of Los Angeles, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was responsible for coordinating the receipt of drugs that the organization smuggled across the border and stored, packaged, and distributed the drugs to resellers.
- Andres Silva-Corona Perez, 42, of San Bernardino, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He operated a “stash house” with more than 500 pounds of methamphetamine for the drug-trafficking ring.
- Ruben Saenz, 36, of Los Angeles, is charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He transported over 4,700 pounds of methamphetamine that had been smuggled across the border in a semi-truck.
- Elvis David Vasquez, 32, of Northridge, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He operated a methamphetamine stash house for the organization where he stored and repackaged over 170 pounds of methamphetamine.
- Sergio Pena, 30, of Hacienda Heights, was charged with conspiring to traffic methamphetamine and fentanyl and distribution of methamphetamine. Pena stored and distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, and firearms.
- Mirella Castillo, 41, of Lancaster, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Kiara Sinaii Valdivia, 29, of Pittsburg, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
- Calvin Guntetong, 26, of North Hollywood, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jacklyn Saenz, 33, of Los Angeles, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Luz Maria Cobrera Salazar, 41, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Jose Galan Lopez, 22, of Chula Vista, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Allen Khamtrashyan, 26, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
- Emily Vela, 23, of North Hills, was charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
