Officials Take Down Drug Trafficking Organization that Used Internal Body Carriers to Smuggle Drugs into the United States

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen H. Wong (619) 546-9464

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – June 24, 2016

EL CENTRO – Eleven people have been charged with drug-trafficking and gun crimes in two indictments unsealed late yesterday. The drug trafficking organization used internal body carriers to smuggle drugs through the Calexico, California Ports of Entry into the United States and on to El Centro, San Diego, and Los Angeles.

Following an eleven-month investigation that concluded yesterday afternoon, all 11 defendants were in custody and seven firearms were taken off the streets. A coalition of federal agencies also conducted searches at six locations – including sites in Brawley and Calipatria, California. Many of these locations are homes where drugs and guns were stored and sold.

The two indictments describe two separate but overlapping conspiracies. According to indictments and other court documents, most defendants were drug traffickers selling methamphetamine, heroin, and PCP. Some were felons in possession of firearms and had ties to criminal street gangs.

“We are absolutely committed to making Imperial Valley neighborhoods safe from drug traffickers,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “This operation successfully removed guns and drugs from the streets and intercepted hard-to-get smugglers who use the insides of their bodies as vessels for dangerous contraband.”

“HSI is committed to working jointly with its law enforcement partners to pursue and dismantle drug smuggling networks that distribute narcotics on the streets and spread violence in our communities,” said Dave Shaw, special agent in charge for ICE Homeland Security Investigations in San Diego. “This investigation uncovered a gang-affiliated drug smuggling ring extending from Mexicali to the Imperial and Riverside counties. I commend the outstanding work by HSI and our law enforcement partners at the U.S. Border Patrol’s El Centro Sector for the joint effort during the enforcement operation.”

DEFENDANTS       Criminal Case No: 16-CR-01283-MMA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 952, 960, 963); Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846); Conspiracy to Distribute Heroin (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846); Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Title 18, U.S.C., Sec 922(g)(1)). Carrying a Firearm During and in Relation to a Drug Trafficking Crime (Title 18, U.S.C., Sec 924(c))

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a 10 million dollar fine.

DEFENDANTS  Criminal Case No: 16-CR-01284-MMA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846); Conspiracy to Distribute Phencyclidine ((PCP) (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 841(a)(1) and 846); Felon in Possession of a Firearm (Title 18, U.S.C., Sec 922(g)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a 10 million dollar fine.

AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

Brawley Police Department

Customs and Border Protection

United States Border Patrol

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

United States Marshal Service

El Cajon Police Department

California Highway Patrol

El Centro Police Department

Fontana Police Department

Imperial County Narcotics Task Force

*An indictment or complaint itself is not evidence that the defendants committed the crimes charged.  The defendants are presumed innocent until the Government meets its burden in court of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.