Some 135 pounds of illegal narcotics were seized last week in Santa Ana, California, and a suspected trafficker—who may be associated with the Sinaloa drug cartel—was arrested after an investigation, according to a Sept. 19 statement by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
Officials found 89 bundles of methamphetamines in a hidden compartment of the suspect’s vehicle. A photo shared by the attorney general’s office shows the bags of narcotics in rows in what appears to be an area under the vehicle.
The multi-agency investigation began when the suspect crossed the U.S.–Mexico border, according to Mr. Bonta. It is unclear when he crossed the border or what his movements were once he did.
Mr. Bonta’s office did not respond to a request for further information.
“We stopped a trafficker from delivering dangerous illicit drugs that would have ended up in our communities,” Mr. Bonta said in the statement. “I am grateful for the Department of Justice agents and our task force partners across the state for their collaboration to get illegal drugs off our streets. This work saves lives.”
The operation was a joint effort through the California Department of Justice-led INCA Task Force—which fights narcotic trafficking and narcotic-related money laundering—along with U.S. Homeland Security, the West Covina Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol.
“Seizing illegal narcotics and arresting those who traffic them only benefits our communities and works to protect us in our daily lives,” said Alan Barcelona, with the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association, in a statement after the arrest and seizure of the drugs. “This is an ongoing battle that takes the work of dedicated law enforcement officers whose brave actions result in illegal drug seizures such as this.”
