Riverside Methamphetamine Organization Dismantled

AUG 18-- Methamphetamine is an extremely dangerous drug that has spread throughout Southern California, endangering the lives of our citizens, our children and our communities. On Wednesday, August 17 th, a 15-month joint investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Riverside District Office successfully dismantled seven methamphetamine distribution cells of a Riverside based drug trafficking organization. This investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 84 pounds of methamphetamine, 22 arrests, approximately $250,000 in assets, and 17 weapons, to include three fully automatic assault rifles.

This investigation targeted a major drug trafficking organization involved in distributing approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine per month throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The leaders of this organization have extensive criminal histories involving crimes of violence, narcotics and weapons offenses, as well as an association with the violent Mexican gang “La Emme.”

On Wednesday, this investigation culminated with the execution of six search and arrest warrants throughout Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Participating agencies included the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Riverside District Office, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Internal Revenue Service, Riverside Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, San Bernardino Police Department, California Highway Patrol, California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, Fontana Police Department, Ontario Police Department and the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.