Federal and local law enforcement officers in San Diego County seized a record-setting amount methamphetamine belonging to cartel-connected cartels. These drugs are the most significant seizures in San Diego County.
A truck with a cargo of boxes arrived in the U.S. via Otay Mea Commercial Port of Entry, July 7. Law enforcement agencies followed the truck to National City, California where they spotted the drug smugglers loading the truck into a Dodge van.
Police arrived at the scene and detained Rafael Alzua (37) and Mario Contreras (41), Ethgar Valazquez (44) and Galdrino Contreras (41). According to the prosecution, all four suspects were identified as Mexican citizens.
The boxes contained more than 5,000 lbs of drugs, which were later found to be methamphetamine-positive.
U.S. U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman said in a written statement, “This is a significant accomplishment by our law enforcement partners.” The outstanding work of law enforcement officers has resulted in the government stopping the distribution of methamphetamines weighing more than 5,000 pounds on the streets. ”
The case is being investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and Border Crime Suppression Team. The investigation is also being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the United States Border Patrol (USBP).
Shelly S. Howe (DEA Special Agent in Charge) stated that “this massive seizure was another win against drug cartels that fuel addiction in America.” Because of our strong partnerships and other law enforcement agencies, we will continue to disrupt the supply of drugs by drug cartels to our cities.
Anthony C. Ray, San Diego County Sheriff said that he is grateful for the hard work and dedication of his Sheriff’s detectives, as well as those of our federal and state partners. Through our partnership and collaboration, we can share the essential information needed to keep drugs off our streets as well as hold drug dealers responsible. ”
Four men hailing from Mexico face Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine charges. If convicted, each could receive a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $10 million in fines.
There were no court records in the document tracking system.
