Seventeen people believed to be part of a Los Angeles drug trafficking ring are facing hefty drug, money laundering and conspiracy charges.
After a two-year investigation called Operation “Smoke Jumpers,” authorities discovered that the suspected traffickers used semi-trucks hauling scrap metal to smuggle drugs inside fire extinguishers, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Authorities say the ring mostly moved fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin in from Mexico.
From Feb. 8 to Feb. 12, authorities arrested nine suspects believed to be involved in the trafficking ring – three of whom are residents of Mexico.
The 10th suspect was already in state custody, while seven additional suspects remain at large and are believed to be in Mexico.
All seventeen were charged on Feb. 14 with 15 counts: two narcotics conspiracies, 12 drug possession offenses, and one count of money laundering conspiracy.
Each drug possession offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison and a potential life sentence, while the money laundering conspiracy carries a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, according to authorities.
Amir Ehsaei, a director at the FBI’s Los Angeles office, said authorities are still searching for the seven fugitives.
“Law enforcement continues to meet the challenges presented by drug trafficking organizations whose members constantly find novel ways to hide the poison they’re importing from Mexico to U.S. towns and cities,” he said in a Feb. 14 statement.
“The FBI and our partners on the Strike Force are seeking seven fugitives in this case and ask that anyone with information as to their whereabouts contact the FBI.”
