Pictured Above: Methamphetamine seized from smugglers. Source: U.S. Border Patrol.

Twenty-four (24) people were arrested and indicted in San Diego for being involved in a “lucrative criminal ring with ties to the Mexican cartel.” They were arrested after investigators conducted a year long investigation that lead to the seizure of more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.7 pounds of cocaine from the criminal ring. The ring-leaders Julie Muriel Peterson and Jose Marino Garcia were using their house to package and store the drugs. Of the 24 people arrested and indicted, 19 of them are in custody and are expected to be arraigned in San Diego Federal Court later this week.

In California, it is a felony to possess drugs with the intent to sell them. It is also a felony to transport, import and sell/distribute controlled substances. If a person is caught transporting drugs through states or countries, they will also be charged with a federal crime. Penalties for selling or transporting drugs include fines, jail/prison time, and drug treatment programs. A possible defense to drug offenses is wrongful search and seizure. If you are charged with a drug crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney right away to assist you.