The seizure of 893 pounds of cocaine, 13 pounds of heroin, and 2,224 pounds of crystal methamphetamine occurred on October 2, 2020 in Los Angeles. This is the largest domestic seizure of crystal methamphetamine in DEA history.
A large-scale drug trafficking organization with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel was involved in the transportation and delivery of large quantities of cocaine and crystal methamphetamine.
On October 2, 2020, through investigative means, DEA federal agents established surveillance on a drug courier’s residence and cash stash house. During surveillance, investigators observed the target and a secondary associate load duffel bags into a vehicle and leave the location.
DEA agents authored state search warrants for multiple locations, including the courier’s residence and a narcotics stash house. During a search of the courier’s residence, agents located approximately 25 duffel bags within the garage containing approximately 406 kilograms of cocaine, six kilograms of heroin, and 650 pounds of crystal methamphetamine.
Additionally, during a search of the narcotics stash house, agents located approximately 1,600 pounds of crystal methamphetamine. The drugs are worth over $10 million.
Los Angeles is the major trans-shipment hub for Mexican drug cartels trafficking illicit drugs across the southwest border of the United States.
