36 arrested in massive Southern California drug bust linked to Sinaloa Cartel

Authorities announced that 36 people were arrested in a massive operation targeting a California-based drug trafficking network linked to the Sinaloa cartel.

The fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network operated in the Imperial Valley and involved drug trafficking, firearms and money laundering crimes, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

More than 400 law enforcement officers participated in the arrest of 36 suspects. Search warrants were served at 25 locations in Los Angeles, San Diego, Imperial County, Fresno, Phoenix, Arizona and Salem, Oregon.

Authorities confirmed that 11 other suspects remain at large.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent, Alexander Grindley, was also arrested for allegedly trafficking methamphetamine.

The extensive drug ring operated out of several locations, including Brawley, El Centro, Westmoreland, Imperial, Calexico, Niland, Holtville, Calipatria and Mexicali, Mexico.

Court documents indicate the suspects belonged to various trafficking organizations that were part of a vast network supplying all of Imperial County and beyond with dangerous narcotics.

During the search, the authorities confiscated:

• More than four kilograms of fentanyl, representing approximately two million potentially fatal doses
• More than 324 kilograms (over 714 pounds) of methamphetamine
• Significant quantities of cocaine and heroin
• 52 firearms, including handguns and rifles

Agents have dismantled operations for years during several previous bankruptcies.

On June 30, 2021, agents seized two pounds of methamphetamine and a cache of ghost guns and ammunition, including 15 lower receivers, three upper receivers, multiple barrels and stocks, 18 magazines, 40 9mm Luger rounds and approximately 400 Red Army .223 caliber cartridges. Russian-made ammunition.

“None of the firearms or firearm parts bore any serial numbers or identifying markings,” officials noted. “They were all ghost weapons.”

Wiretapped conversations revealed that Cory Gershen provided ghost guns to members of the organization in exchange for methamphetamine. Agents also found a cache of assault rifles that were to be sent to Mexico.

Agents seized additional weapons and drugs from Guadalupe Molina-Flores, another member of the trafficking organization, including two AR-style ghost guns, a Colt .380 semi-automatic handgun, rifle ammunition additional Russians and 309.4 grams (0.68 pounds) of methamphetamine.

“This investigation destroyed a drug trafficking network responsible for supplying dealers in area communities,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath for the Southern District of California. “But there is still a lot of work to do. If you're a parent and the current price of fentanyl terrifies you, talk to your children about the dangers of drug use. If you are a drug addict and your dealer was arrested today, seek treatment. And if you are a reseller but your supplier was arrested today, pay attention: we will come for you next.”

“With this takedown, the Department of Justice has dealt another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “I am grateful to the more than 400 law enforcement officers whose work in this operation resulted in dozens of arrests, charges against 47 defendants and the seizure of firearms , methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and two million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl. We will continue to fight tirelessly to protect American communities from cartels.