On March 20, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California announced the indictment of 22 individuals allegedly tied to a transnational drug trafficking operation with links to the Beltrán Leyva Cartel, which is associated with Mexico’s infamous Sinaloa Cartel.
The indictment includes charges of importing and distributing over one ton of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine. Additionally, the accused face charges for laundering drug money and attempting to smuggle firearms into Mexico.
The extensive operation involved coordinated efforts across California, Arizona, Iowa, and Colorado, resulting in the arrest of 10 individuals and the execution of six search warrants in Imperial County. Federal authorities are still on the hunt for 12 fugitives tied to the network.
During the investigation, more than 2,200 pounds of narcotics were seized, including 1,653 pounds of fentanyl. Law enforcement also confiscated 10 firearms and $250,000 in drug proceeds. Wiretaps, controlled buys, and surveillance helped unravel the network, which was based in Mexicali and Imperial County and had connections to Fausto Isidro Meza Flores, also known as “El Chapo Isidro.”
In 2023, authorities seized semi-trucks transporting large quantities of illegal substances. These included over 2 million fentanyl pills, 330 pounds of methamphetamine, and a 9mm handgun. Additionally, law enforcement recovered gold-plated AR-15 rifles, firearms, and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition hidden within items bound for Mexico.
The defendants charged in the operation are:
Irving Alberto Lopez Valdes, 36 – Mexicali, Mexico
Raul Salome Valdez-Orduno, 46 – Mexicali, Mexico
Jesus Damian Lizarraga Sanchez, 28 – Mexicali, Mexico
Elizabeth Millan, 46 – San Diego, California
Brandon Garcia, 27 – Calexico, California
Roberto Marrufo, 40 – Calexico, California
Ricardo Miramontes Nava, 35 – Calexico, California
Jacob Rodiles, 21 – El Centro, California
Roberto Fernandez, 70 – Calexico, California
Raul Martinez Jimenez, 56 – Mexicali, Mexico
Julian Banuelos, 19 – Imperial, California
Alain Alejandro Robles-Murrieta, 19 – Mexicali, Mexico
While 10 defendants remain unnamed fugitives, authorities continue their search for those involved in this major trafficking operation.
