Rodrigo Maciel-Cortez, Methamphetamine Trafficking, California 2023

San Diego, California - Sixteen individuals have been charged in connection with a massive takedown of a drug trafficking network in San Diego County. The operation, which involved over 115 federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, resulted in the arrest of 10 defendants and the execution of three search warrants.

According to court documents, the defendants distributed large quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin throughout the United States, including in Ohio and Kansas. The investigation also uncovered the use of shell companies to launder the proceeds of the drug trafficking enterprise from other states, including Colorado, Minnesota, and Nebraska.

The defendants, who were charged in four indictments, include Rodrigo Maciel-Cortez, who is accused of possession with intent to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. Maciel-Cortez, 25, faces a maximum penalty of life in prison, a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, and a $10 million fine.

Also charged are Elijah Roman, Leonela Veronica Leal, Cindy Camarena-Gonzalez, and Adan Antonio Sandoval-Luna, who are accused of conspiracy to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 400 grams of fentanyl. The maximum penalty for this charge is life in prison.

The investigation, which was conducted by the DEA, IRS, and other law enforcement agencies, resulted in the seizure of 26.8 kilograms of powdered fentanyl, 5.7 kilograms of counterfeit pills containing fentanyl, 25.7 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.5 kilograms of cocaine, 1.1 kilograms of heroin, ketamine, MDMA, over $40,000 in U.S. currency, a Maserati Ghibili, and nine firearms, including an AK-47.

The cases are being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael A. Deshong.

The defendants are expected to appear in federal court for their initial appearances. The charges against them are merely allegations, and they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

Rodrigo Maciel-Cortez
Age: 25
Charge: Possession with Intent to Distribute more than 500 Grams of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Maximum Penalty: Life in prison; Mandatory Minimum: Ten years in prison; $10 million fine
City: San Diego, California
Date: June 1, 2023
Status: Pending

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/sixteen-charged-takedown-drug-trafficking-network