Four men face federal drug trafficking charges for transporting more than 5,000 pounds of methamphetamine discovered in two trucks in National City, which authorities believe to be one of the latest methamphetamine seizures in San Diego County.
Authorities surveilled a 20-foot box truck after it crossed into the United States through the Otay Mesa Commercial Port of Entry at approximately 4:55 p.m. According to the complaint, the truck traveled to Hoover and 30th Street in National City, where agents witnessed the defendants, all residents of Tijuana, unloading dozens of cardboard boxes into a Dodge van.
The U.S. Attorney's office reported that the boxes contained approximately bundles that tested positive for methamphetamine. In total, the bundles weighed more than 5,000 pounds.
“This monumental seizure represents another win against drug cartels that fuel addiction in the United States,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Shelly S. Howe. “Because of our great partnerships with other law enforcement agencies, we will continue to disrupt the cartels’ flow of drugs into our cities.”
San Diego County Sheriff Anthony C. Ray said that the agency's partnership and collaboration allowed for sharing information “that is absolutely critical in keeping drugs from entering our streets and holding drug traffickers accountable.”
The U.S. Attorney’s Office reminds the public that a complaint is not evidence of guilt.
“The defendant is presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial at which the government has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Blanca Quintero said.
