Seizure of 737 Pounds of Cocaine and 64 Pounds of High Quality "Crystal" Methamphetamine

On Tuesday, March 1, 2005, an investigation conducted jointly with various federal, state and local agencies culminated in the seizure of approximately 335 kilograms of cocaine (approximately 737 pounds) and approximately 64 pounds of high quality crystal methamphetamine. At approximately 10:00 am DEA agent and officers served a federal search warrant at a private townhouse residence located at 545 N Clemson Street, Anaheim, California. The controlled substances were located within the residence along with various packaging and distribution related materials, including digital scales, plastic wrapping, sealing devices, and Tupperware style containers.

Arrested at the scene was Jesus Thomas, male age 36. Another male associate, Rosendo Castro-Chaidez, age 24, was arrested nearby. Both individuals have been charged in US District Court, Santa Ana, California with violations of the United States Controlled Substances Act, USC Title 21.

According to DEA Orange County Resident Office Agent-in-Charge Paul Clayton, “This coordinated effort between participating Orange County law enforcement agencies has dealt a tremendous blow towards dismantling this large scale drug trafficking organization.” With an estimated wholesale value of between $5-6 million, this seizure will undoubtedly severely impact, and possibly destroy, the organization’s ability to continue their operations in the future.” This drug seizure represents the largest combined cocaine and methamphetamine “stash pad” seizures in Orange County, CA. in the last several years.

Participating agencies included the Drug Enforcement Administration (Orange County Resident Office), Anaheim Police Department, California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement (BNE), Orange Police Department, Irvine Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This is an active on-going DEA investigation. Leads are being actively pursued and develop in coordination with the participating police agencies. Further information will be disseminated to press outlets when available for release. Point of Contact is DEA Los Angeles Public Information Officer Jose Martinez at (213) 621-6714 or Lance Williams at (213) 621 6768.