Authorities announced that 36 people have been arrested in a mass bust against a California-based drug trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa Cartel.
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, the fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network operated in the Imperial Valley and was involved in drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering.
More than 400 law enforcement officers were involved in the arrest of 36 suspects. Search warrants were served at 25 locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial County, Fresno, Phoenix, Arizona and Salem, Oregon.
Officials confirmed that 11 suspects remain on the run.
A U.S. Border Patrol agent, Alexander Grindley, was also arrested for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine.
The sprawling drug network operated in multiple locations, including Brawley, El Centro, Westmoreland, Imperial, Calexico, Niland, Holtville, Calipatria and Mexicali, Mexico.
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A stash of assault rifles destined for Mexico and owned by a California drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. (US Department of Justice) -
Russian-made firearms and ammunition owned by a California drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. (US Department of Justice)
According to court documents, the suspects belonged to several human trafficking organizations that were part of an extensive network that supplied all of Imperial County and beyond with dangerous narcotics.
During the arrest, authorities seized the following:
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More than four kilograms of fentanyl, which amounts to approximately two million potentially fatal doses
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More than 324 kilograms of methamphetamine
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Significant amounts of cocaine and heroin
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52 firearms, including pistols and rifles
Officers have been dismantling operations for several previous arrests for years.
On June 30, 2021, agents seized two pounds of methamphetamine and a cache of ghost guns and ammunition, including 15 lower receivers, three upper receivers, multiple barrels and stocks, 18 magazines, 40 Luger 9mm rounds, and approximately 400 rounds of .223 Red Army . Russian-made ammunition.
“None of the firearms or firearm parts had identifying serial numbers or markings,” officials noted. “They were all ghost guns.”
Wiretapped conversations revealed that Cory Gershen had supplied organization members with ghost guns in exchange for methamphetamine. Agents also found a stash of assault rifles that were to be sent to Mexico.
Agents seized additional weapons and drugs from Guadalupe Molina-Flores, another member of the human trafficking ring, including two AR-style ghost guns, a Colt .380 semiautomatic pistol, additional Russian rifle ammunition and 309.4 grams (0.68 pounds ) methamphetamine.
“This investigation has shattered a drug trafficking network responsible for supplying dealers in communities throughout the region,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “But there is still a lot of work to do. If you are a parent and the current price of fentanyl scares you, talk to your children about the dangers of drug use. If you are addicted and your dealer was arrested today, get help. And if you are a dealer, but your supplier has been arrested today, take note: we will come for you next.”
“With this arrest, the Department of Justice has delivered another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful to the more than 400 law enforcement officers whose work in this operation resulted in dozens of arrests, indictments against 47 defendants, and the seizure of firearms, meth, cocaine, heroin and two million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. We will remain relentless in our fight to protect America’s communities from the cartels.”
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