Cartel distribution network dismantled by DOJ; 47 charged, 36 arrested

DOJ dismantles cartel drug network; 47 charged, 36 arrested

DOJ charged 47 alleged cartel members with drug trafficking, other offenses
Agents executed 25 search warrants across three states, arrested 36
The search continues for the 11 remaining fugitives

Updated: Jun 6, 2024 / 11:51 AM EDT

According to court records, 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 ammunition, which are made in Russia. (Credit: DOJ)

IMPERIAL VALLEY, Calif. (NewsNation) — The U.S. Department of Justice charged 47 alleged members of a Sinaloa Cartel-linked fentanyl-and-methamphetamine distribution network with drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering offenses, according to 14 indictments unsealed on Wednesday.

Over 400 federal, state and local law enforcement agents conducted a coordinated takedown Wednesday morning, executing 25 search warrants in multiple western states — including California, Oregon and Arizona.

Authorities arrested 36 of the 47 defendants. The search continues for the 11 remaining fugitives, the DOJ said in a press release.

On June 30, 2021, agents seized additional ghost guns, ammunition, and methamphetamine from another member of the same drug trafficking organization. Specifically, agents seized two AR-style ghost guns and a Colt .380 semiautomatic handgun, and additional Russian rifle ammunition from defendant Guadalupe Molina-Flores, one of the alleged members of the trafficking organization. (Credit: DOJ)

“With this takedown, the Justice Department has dealt yet another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

During the long-term investigation, agents confiscated over four kilograms of fentanyl — equivalent to about two million potentially fatal doses; over 714 pounds of methamphetamine; large amounts of cocaine and heroin; and 52 handguns and rifles.

U,S. Border Patrol agent Alexander Grindley was also arrested for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine while employed at the border. His alleged role in the operation and arrest has influenced further investigations of his district.