News Release [print friendly page]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 21, 2008
Contact: SA Sarah Pullen
Public Information Officer
Number: 213-621-6827

DEA Investigation Results in 16 Arrests and Seizures of Cocaine and Methamphetamine

FEB 21 -- (Los Angeles, CA) – Timothy J. Landrum, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced today the culmination of a ten-month investigation of a highly sophisticated cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Los Angeles area. As a result of this investigation, 16 individuals have been arrested and 114 pounds of cocaine, 2 clandestine methamphetamine laboratories, 68 pounds of methamphetamine and more than $3 million in U.S. Currency have been seized.

Approx. $1.3 million seized from a hidden compartment.	32 kilogram cocaine seizure.

“Today’s operations strike a blow to an organization that routinely changed communications methods in an effort to avoid detection of law enforcement,” said Timothy J. Landrum, DEA Special Agent in Charge. “Their efforts did not go unnoticed. As a result, federal, state and local law enforcement joined forces to target this sophisticated organization, and were able to put an end to their drug distribution network.”

This organization was responsible for trafficking multi-pound quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, as well as the transportation of large quantities of narcotics proceeds. The organization transported money and narcotics in vehicles equipped with highly sophisticated hidden compartments. The drugs seized throughout this investigation are estimated to have a combined wholesale value of more than $3 million.

Today’s enforcement operations took place throughout Los Angeles and Orange Counties. Federal, state and local law enforcement officers conducted 11 search warrants resulting in the arrest of 11 individuals and the seizure of 59 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately $750,000 in U.S. Currency, and numerous high-end vehicles.

The following agencies assisted DEA in this Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation: Baldwin Park Police Department, Torrance Police Department, Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, San Bernardino West NET, Orange County PROACT Task Force, California Highway Patrol, and Orange County District Attorney’s Office.