Twenty-Two Arrested in Imperial Valley Crackdown on Violent Drug Trafficking Organization Linked to Beltrán Leyva Cartel
EL CENTRO, CA – In a multi-state operation, federal authorities arrested 10 individuals and indicted 22 alleged members of a transnational drug trafficking organization linked to the Sinaloa-based Beltrán Leyva Cartel. The group is accused of smuggling more than a ton of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine into the United States, laundering illicit proceeds, and attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico.
The coordinated takedown took place Thursday morning in California, Arizona, Iowa, and Colorado, involving more than 150 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers. Officials also executed six search warrants across Imperial County. As of the latest update, authorities are still searching for 12 fugitives according to the press release.
Massive Drug Seizures and Ongoing Investigation
According to law enforcement, the investigation has led to the seizure of over 1,000 kilograms (2,204 pounds) of illegal narcotics, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Additionally, 10 firearms and over $250,000 in drug proceeds have been confiscated.
“We have literally seized a ton of drugs that were destined to hit our streets and harm our community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden. “By disrupting this prolific, cartel-linked trafficking network, we are preventing the devastation and violence it brings.”
Authorities have linked the network to Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, also known as “El Chapo Isidro,” a high-ranking member of the Beltrán Leyva Cartel. Investigators say the organization operated as a distribution cell based in Mexicali, Mexico, and Imperial County, California.
“This isn't the end, but a reminder... We see you. We're coming. And we're turning and burning onto the next one.” El Centro sector board patrol chief Gregory K. Bovino said in a statement on social media.
Using wiretaps, undercover operations, and surveillance, law enforcement identified key players and conducted numerous controlled purchases and traffic stops, leading to significant drug seizures.
Key Drug Seizures
Some of the largest seizures detailed in court records include:
• January 23, 2023: Federal agents intercepted a semi-truck carrying approximately 1.4 million fentanyl pills, seizing 148.53 kilograms (327.45 pounds) of the deadly drug.
• May 9, 2023: Authorities confiscated approximately 483,000 fentanyl pills (48.30 kilograms or 106.48 pounds) from another intercepted semi-truck.
• May 25, 2023: A traffic stop led to the discovery of 480,000 fentanyl pills, 72.29 kilograms (159.37 pounds) of methamphetamine, and a loaded 9mm handgun.
• October 9, 2023: Investigators seized 139,000 fentanyl pills and 36.66 kilograms (80.82 pounds) of methamphetamine after surveilling suspects unloading narcotics.
• March 14, 2024: A Brawley police officer’s traffic stop led to the seizure of 59.48 kilograms (131.13 pounds) of methamphetamine.
Authorities also uncovered firearms being smuggled to cartel operatives, including two gold-plated AR-15 rifles hidden inside a 55-gallon barbecue grill.
Photo of firearms that where smuggled to cartel operatives: two gold-plated AR-15 rifles which where hidden inside a 55-gallon barbecue grill.
Violence and Cross-Border Crime
The indictment also describes cartel-related violence linked to the case. During the investigation, a suspected narcotics sub-distributor in Imperial County was reportedly lured to Mexicali, where he was shot multiple times. He later died from his injuries. Authorities believe his murder was linked to internal cartel conflicts.
In addition to drug trafficking and money laundering, court records indicate that five of the charged defendants have been involved in human smuggling, including prior arrests for illegal entry-related offenses.
Defendants and Charges
The indicted suspects range in age from 19 to 70 and are from locations including Mexicali, Calexico, El Centro, and San Diego. They face charges including:
• Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances – Punishable by up to life in prison with a mandatory minimum of 10 years.
• Money Laundering Conspiracy – Maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a $500,000 fine.
• Attempted Transfer of a Firearm for Use in Drug Trafficking – Maximum sentence of 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
DEFENDANTS
Case Number 24cr2399
Irving Alberto Lopez Valdes Age: 36 Mexicali, Mexico
Raul Salome Valdez-Orduno Age: 46 Mexicali, Mexico
Case Number 24cr2400
Jesus Damian Lizarraga Sanchez Age: 28 Mexicali, Mexico
Case Number 24cr2434
Elizabeth Millan Age: 46 San Diego, California
Brandon Garcia Age: 27 Calexico, California
*Seven unnamed defendants are fugitives
Case Number 24cr2431
Roberto Marrufo Age: 40 Calexico, California
Case Number 25cr0785
Ricardo Miramontes Nava Age: 35 Calexico, California
Case Number 25cr0786
Jacob Rodiles Age: 21 El Centro, California
Roberto Fernandez Age: 70 Calexico, California
Raul Martinez Jimenez Age: 56 Mexicali, Mexico
Julian Banuelos Age: 19 Imperial, California
Alain Alejandro Robles-Murrieta Age: 19 Mexicali, Mexico
*Three unnamed defendants are fugitives(O _ .! Look a)?c
Collaborative Law Enforcement Effort
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation, a multi-agency initiative aimed at dismantling major drug trafficking , c cc see}. Participating agencies included Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and multiple local law enforcement departments.
“This operation marks the culmination of a complex, long-term investigation,” said Shawn Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego. “Our local communities are undoubtedly safer today, and we remain committed to aggressively pursuing criminal organizations that threaten our country.”
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains ongoing, with efforts to locate and apprehend the remaining fugitives.