In Santa Ana, California, the California Department of Justice (DOJ), in partnership with U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the West Covina Police Department, along with support from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), has announced the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker and the seizure of approximately 135 pounds of illegal narcotics.
This arrest occurred in Santa Ana, with the suspect being apprehended after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border in a vehicle. The individual is believed to have connections with the Sinaloa drug cartel. Law enforcement agents discovered 89 bundles of methamphetamine, totaling 135 pounds, concealed within a hidden compartment in the vehicle. This incident took place on September 12 in Santa Ana and is part of an ongoing investigation.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta praised the collaborative efforts of DOJ agents and their task force partners, stating, “Through the work of the California Department of Justice and our law enforcement partners, we have prevented a trafficker from delivering dangerous illicit drugs that could have harmed our communities.
This work saves lives, and as the state’s chief law enforcement officer, my top priority is ensuring the safety of Californians.”
The INCA Task Force was established in 1991 to support the California Department of Justice’s efforts in combating narcotic trafficking, money laundering, and associated violence.
INCA receives federal funding through the national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program and consists of members from various law enforcement agencies, including the California DOJ’s Bureau of Investigation, HSI, Riverside Police Department, Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, California National Guard Counter Drug Task Force, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, West Covina Police Department, and Murrieta Police Department.
The INCA Task Force aids its stakeholders and other law enforcement agencies in narcotic and money laundering investigations, as well as other significant criminal investigations throughout California.
It’s essential to note that a criminal complaint contains allegations against a person, and every defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Attorney General Bonta continues to collaborate with local, state, and federal partners to address various public safety issues, including:
- Addressing the Fentanyl Crisis: Collaborative efforts with state and local law enforcement partners, ongoing funding for DOJ fentanyl enforcement, operations to remove fentanyl from California communities, and legal actions against manufacturers and distributors.
- Preventing Gun Violence: Actions through the Office of Gun Violence Prevention to remove firearms from prohibited individuals, legislative efforts to strengthen California’s firearm laws, and holding the firearm industry accountable.
- Combating Human Trafficking: Operations targeting human trafficking rings across California and the establishment of Human Trafficking and Sexual Predator Apprehension Teams within the DOJ.
- Combating Retail Theft: Initiatives to address organized retail theft, including securing felony sentencing for one of California’s largest organized retail theft operations, filing charges related to thefts from Home Depot, Apple stores, and Microsoft, and improving communication with retailers and online marketplaces.
- Dismantling Gangs: Efforts to protect neighborhoods in various California cities by dismantling gangs.
- Community Engagement for Public Safety: Collaborative efforts with communities in Stockton and San Diego to find public safety solutions.
- Protecting Elders: Prosecuting individuals who steal, defraud, or harm and abuse the elderly.
The California Department of Justice is currently hiring. To explore available positions and learn how you can contribute to protecting the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians, visit oag.ca.gov/careers.
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