36 SINALOA CARTEL MEMBERS ARRESTED; DRUGS AND WEAPONS SEIZED, ANNOUNCES US PROSECUTOR

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

2 1 minute read

Those arrested include Border Patrol agent, East County residents

Two other Russian-made AR-style rifles, a pistol, magazines and ammunition, all of which prosecutors say were traded for drugs. Photo courtesy of the United States Attorney's Office, Southern District of California

East County News Service

June 9, 2024 (San Diego) – In extensive raids in several counties, including San Diego, 400 agents from dozens of agencies arrested 36 members of the Sinaloa Cartel for a “fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution network” based in the 'Imperial Valley, according to the United States. U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California. Charges have been filed against 47 alleged members of the criminal operation, 11 of whom remain at large.

Among those arrested was Alexander Grindley, who was charged with trafficking methamphetamine while working as a U.S. Border Patrol agent. Cory Gershen, 36, of Jacumba, was also arrested or named in the indictments; Christopher Landon Bustin, 40, of Chula Vista; and Yomayra Patricia Penuelas, 37, of El Cajon.

The raids seized approximately 2 million doses of fentanyl (nearly 9 pounds) and 714 pounds of methamphetamine. Additionally, 52 firearms were confiscated, including several AR-style weapons, as well as pistols, magazines, unfinished firearm parts used to create a ghost gun, and a cache of Russian-made ammunition.

“With this takedown, the Department of Justice has dealt another blow to the Sinaloa Cartel and its associates,” said U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Dozens of agencies – including Homeland Security, DEA, Border Patrol, ICE, ATF and the San Diego County Sheriff's Department – coordinated the arrests in San Diego; Imperial County; Fresno; Los Angeles; Phoenix; and Salem, Oregon, according to the district attorney's office.