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Feds Nab Massive Methamphetamine Operation in San Diego
San Diego, CA – In a record-breaking drug seizure, federal authorities have charged Carlos Gerardo Symonds Saavedra, a Mexican citizen, with importation of a controlled substance. The alleged crime took place on August 5, 2021, at the Otay Mesa, California Cargo Port of Entry.
According to court documents, Symonds Saavedra attempted to enter the U.S. as the driver and sole occupant of a 2008 International commercial truck, hauling a Strick trailer. The manifest reflected the load consisted of plastic parts, but a secondary inspection revealed anomalies, determined to be illicit drugs, comingled with the commercial shipment.
The trailer contained 400 packages of a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, weighing approximately 2,507.58 kgs., as well as 52 kgs. of fentanyl. This is believed to be one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in the nation’s history.
“This is a significant accomplishment by our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “Due to stellar work by law enforcement agents, the government stopped more 5,500 pounds of deadly drugs from entering our country, furthering our fight against addiction and overdose deaths.”
Symonds Saavedra was apprehended approximately 100 yards from the trailer and placed under arrest. The defendant is facing federal charges under Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960, with a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years, and a $10 million fine.
HSI and DEA agents, along with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, conducted the operation. The defendant’s current status and sentencing date are pending.
Mandatory Facts:
- Defendant: Carlos Gerardo Symonds Saavedra
- Criminal Charges: Importation of a controlled substance (Title 18, U.S.C., Sections 952 and 960)
- City and State: San Diego, California
- Exact Date: August 5, 2021
- Sentence or Outcome: Currently pending
- Dollar Amounts: $10 million fine
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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