LOS ANGELES, CA — Authorities seized nearly 1,400 pounds of methamphetamine and arrested three people during a raid on a clandestine drug laboratory in a remote area of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Port Police announced Monday.
The July 28 operation capped a six-month investigation into a Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficking organization operating in the Los Angeles area, according to the agency.
Investigators seized 1,378 pounds of crystal and highly concentrated liquid methamphetamine valued at about $12.5 million. They also recovered roughly $80,000 in cash, officials said.
Three Mexican nationals accused of manufacturing the drugs were taken into custody. Authorities did not release their names or details about possible criminal charges.
The investigation began in January as a joint effort involving the Drug Enforcement Administration's New York Field Division and Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Group 48.
Before locating the laboratory, investigators seized 20,000 fentanyl pills and 20 pounds of methamphetamine over six months using what police described as "confidential investigative methods."
Authorities later used ground surveillance, electronic monitoring and aerial reconnaissance to identify the suspected drug production, described only as being located "in a remote desert area of Los Angeles County."
The search warrant was carried out by HIDTA Group 48, the DEA Special Response Team, the DEA Clandestine Laboratory Unit, Los Angeles Port Police, Hawthorne police and El Segundo police.
Port Police also highlighted two other recent investigations involving its task force officers.
In Riverside County, investigators recovered 119 kilograms of cocaine and two firearms while identifying three suspects, officials said.
In a separate cargo theft investigation, authorities dismantled an organized theft ring accused of stealing more than $2 million worth of Nike merchandise. Twelve people were indicted on felony charges, according to the agency.
"These operations highlight the dedication, expertise and collaborative strength of our Task Force Officers," Los Angeles Port Police Capt. Daniel Cobos said. "Their work continues to make a measurable impact on regional safety, drug trafficking suppression and protection of commercial supply chains."
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