Massive drug bust in Imperial County leads to 47 people Indicted and Millions worth of Contraband seized in Sinaloa Cartel-Linked Operation.

Imperial County - In a major victory for law enforcement, a coordinated operation involving more than 400 federal, state, and local officials resulted in the arrest of 36 defendants and the execution of 25 search warrants across Imperial County, San Diego, Fresno, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Salem, Oregon. This operation marks the conclusion of a long-term investigation into an Imperial Valley-based, Sinaloa Cartel-linked fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network.

Fourteen indictments were unsealed in federal court today, charging 47 alleged members with drug trafficking, firearms, and money laundering offenses. The search continues for 11 fugitives.

Authorities have confiscated over four kilograms of fentanyl, which equates to about two million potentially fatal doses, more than 324 kilograms (over 714 pounds) of methamphetamine, significant quantities of cocaine and heroin, and 52 firearms, including handguns and rifles. Notably, the investigation led to the arrest of U.S. Border Patrol agent Alexander Grindley for alleged methamphetamine trafficking.

Attorney General Merrick B. Garland praised the operation, saying, “With this takedown, the Justice Department has dealt yet another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates. I am grateful to the more than 400 law enforcement officers whose work in this operation resulted in dozens of arrests, charges against 47 defendants, and the seizure of firearms, meth, cocaine, heroin, and two million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.”

U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath highlighted the ongoing efforts, stating, “This investigation tore apart a drug trafficking network responsible for supplying dealers in communities across the region. But there is still much work to be done. If you’re a parent, and today’s price of fentanyl terrifies you, talk to your kids about the dangers of drug use. If you’re an addict, and your dealer was arrested today, seek treatment. And if you’re a dealer but your supplier was arrested today, look out – we are coming for you next.”

The operation disrupted drug trafficking in several areas, including Brawley, El Centro, Westmorland, Imperial, Calexico, Niland, Holtville, Calipatria, and Mexicali, Mexico. It underscores the severe threat posed by fentanyl, with Imperial County experiencing 24 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2022. The price of fentanyl pills has significantly dropped, reflecting increased supply and availability, highlighting the urgency of such enforcement actions.

On June 30, 2021, agents seized ghost guns and ammunition, including components for assault rifles destined for the organization’s source in Mexico. The wiretap intercepts revealed exchanges of ghost guns for methamphetamine within the trafficking network.

Homeland Security Investigations Executive Associate Director Katrina W. Berger emphasized the significance of collaboration: “This operation is a testament to the power of law enforcement collaboration and our unwavering commitment to bringing these criminals to justice.”

El Centro Sector Chief Gregory Bovino added, “Our successful collaboration should be a reminder to criminal organizations in the Imperial Valley and elsewhere that justice will be served.”

Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez reaffirmed their commitment to community safety: “The Imperial County District Attorney’s office will continue to work together with our partners to bring to justice those that harm or are a danger to our community.”

Additionally on June 5th 2024 The Brawley Police Department, in collaboration with multiple agencies across Imperial County, successfully executed 10 search warrants within the City of Brawley and additional search warrants throughout the county today. This marks the successful conclusion of a long-term investigation that began with a routine traffic stop in the City of Brawley.

The operation underscores the power of interagency collaboration in Imperial County. Combined efforts and resources from various law enforcement agencies have been pivotal in addressing and disrupting illegal activities that threaten local communities.

“This investigation's success is a testament to the trust the investigating agents placed in our patrol officers, who diligently followed every lead,” said Chief Jimmy Duran. “This kind of teamwork and mutual support makes our law enforcement efforts in Imperial County so effective.”

The positive effects of this investigation will be felt throughout the City of Brawley and Imperial County, enhancing community safety by removing dangerous drugs from the streets and disrupting illegal activities.

Chief Duran extended his gratitude to all involved law enforcement officers and professional staff, emphasizing that their dedication and hard work were instrumental in bringing this investigation to a successful close. “This partnership could not have been achieved without each and every one of you,” he said.

The Brawley Police Department remains committed to working with local, state, and federal partners to ensure community safety and security.

This operation is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, aiming to disrupt and dismantle high-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations through a collaborative, intelligence-driven approach.

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0455-CAB

Maria Isabel Ferrat                                         34                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))                    

Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine.  

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr0456-CAB

*Guadalupe Molina-Flores, AKA “Lupe”     43                    Westmoreland, CA

Stephanie Joann Hernandez, AKA “JoJo”     42                    El Centro, CA

*Emmanuel Becerra, AKA “E-Man”             36                    Westmorland, CA

Jeremy Clayton Harris, Sr.                             44                    El Centro, CA

Jack Daniel Myers                                          41                    Westmorland, CA

Cory Gershen                                                  36                      Jacumba, CA                                           

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Fentanyl and Heroin (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))        

Felon in Possession of Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Using, Carrying or Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime 

(18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(i))    

Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charge and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession of ammunition charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For using, carrying or possession of firearm in commission of a drug trafficking crime: Five years in prison mandatory consecutive to the related drug trafficking offense and $250,000 fine.  

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr0504-CAB

Eduardo Mendoza, AKA “Casper”                31                    Niland, CA

Francisco Javier Mendoza, AKA “Pancho”   33                    Niland, CA

Carlos Cezar Mendoza                                   36                    Yuma, AZ

Christopher John Coffman                             59                    Brawley, CA

Daniel Estevan Mendoza                                30                    Brawley, CA

Tyran Malik Sullivan                                     40                    Brawley, CA

Katelyn Singh                                                 32                    Holtville, CA

Cynthia Diaz                                                   35                    Imperial, CA

Robert Leroy Humble                                     49                    Brawley, CA

Terry Kyle Christiansen                                 52                    Imperial, CA

Melvin Betha                                                  25                    Niland, CA

*Dylan Gutierrez                                            24                    Calexico, CA                               

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0849-CAB

*Maricela Selk                                                            47            Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0854-CAB

Christopher Landon Bustin                            40                    Chula Vista, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Maximum Penalties: For possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges:  Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0855-CAB

Ernie David Davila                                                 43                    Holtville, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

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

DEFENDANT                                              Case Number 24cr0856-CAB

*Karla Franco                                                  42                    Los Angeles, CA

Frederick Joseph McKenna, AKA “Downer”           32                    Pico Rivera, CA

Gabino Mora                                                    31                    Pico Rivera, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0857-CAB

Alexander Bennet Grindley                            53                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Maximum Penalties: Twenty years in prison and a $1 million fine.                          

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0858-CAB

Robert Thomas Isaac, AKA “RT”                  48                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Heroin and Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0909-TWR

*Bryan Ayala Alvarez, AKA “Pingo”                       41                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0910-CAB

*Alfred Aldapa Juarez, Jr.                              32                    Brawley, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

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

DEFENDANT                                               Case Number 24cr0911-CAB

*Pedro Alberto Rioseco, AKA “Pete”                       42        Calexico, CA

Jesus Antonio Escoto-Troncozo, AKA “Chocho”     45        El Centro, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))        

Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition (18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1))

Using, Carrying or Possession of Firearm in Commission of a Drug Trafficking Crime 

(18 U.S.C. 924(c)(1)(A)(i))    

Maximum Penalties: For conspiracy charge and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For felon in possession of ammunition charge: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. For using, carrying or possession of firearm in commission of a drug trafficking crime: Five years in prison mandatory consecutive to the related drug trafficking offense and $250,000 fine.  

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr00093-RSH

Sergio Reyes-Green                                        32        Brawley, CA

James Wade Hanks                                         53        Brawley, CA

Jesus Fernardo Romero, AKA “Chuy”                28        (In Custody)

Yomayra Patricia Penuelas                             37        El Cajon, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Import Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960, 963)

Importation of Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 952, 960)  

Aiding and Abetting (18 U.S.C. § 2)  

Conspiracy to Launder Money (21 U.S.C. § 1956(h), 1956(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B))

Maximum Penalties: For methamphetamine charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. For the money laundering charges: Twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of criminal derived property, whichever is greater.  

DEFENDANTS                                             Case Number 24cr00094-RSH

Mario Alberto Urena, AKA “Vaca”                           34        Brawley, CA

Pablo Enrique Trejo, AKA “Bolas”                           45        Calexico, CA

*Carlos Felipe Ruedas-Celaya                                   45        Calexico, CA                                           

Estevan Ramirez Gonzalez                                        26        Phoenix, AZ

*Francisco Javier Ramirez-Garcia, AKA “Pitufo”    56        Calexico, CA

*Javier Jacquez                                                   48            Calexico, CA

Araceli Rangel-Torres                                                28        Mexicali, Mexico

Miguel Angel Flores                                                   31        Fresno, CA

Carlos Valencia Mendoza                                          29        Mexicali, Mexico                    

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (21 U.S.C. §§ 841, 846)

Possession with Intent to Distribute Controlled Substances (21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1))

Aiding and Abetting (18 U.S.C. § 2)  

Conspiracy to Launder Money (21 U.S.C. § 1956(h), 1956(a)(2)(A) and (a)(2)(B))

Maximum Penalties: 

For conspiracy charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. 

For the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charges (except Count 3): Life in prison with a mandatary minimum of 10 years and a $10 million fine. 

For the possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine charge in Count 3: Forty years in prison with a mandatory minimum of five years and a $5 million fine. 

For the money laundering charges: Twenty years in prison and a fine of $500,000 or twice the amount of criminal derived property, whichever is greater.  

*Fugitives

AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

Drug Enforcement Administration

Department of Justice, Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces

Department of Justice Office of Enforcement Operations

United States Border Patrol

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Office of Field Operations

U.S. Customs and Border Protection - Air and Marine Operations

ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives

United States Postal Inspection Service

DHS Office of Inspector General

California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

California Highway Patrol

Brawley Police Department

El Centro Police Department

Calexico Police Department

Imperial County Sheriff’s Office

Imperial County District Attorney’s Office

Imperial County Probation Department

Imperial Police Department

Westmorland Police Department

Calipatria Police Department

Imperial Valley - Law Enforcement Coordination Center

Imperial County Child Protective Service

San Diego County Sheriff’s Office

United States Marshals Service 

Source: 

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Southern District of California