Grimy Times has learned that 14 people, including alleged leader Jesus Ruiz-Sandoval, have been charged in an international multi-million-dollar cocaine trafficking and money laundering scheme.
According to an indictment unsealed on May 30, 2024, Ruiz-Sandoval managed the smuggling and distribution of large quantities of cocaine from Tijuana into the United States, and the movement of cash proceeds back to Mexico.
Ruiz-Sandoval, 45, a United States citizen, fled the U.S. for Mexico several years ago, in violation of his terms of supervised release for a prior federal drug-trafficking crime (Case number 08-cr-00713-DSF in the Central District of California).
The search warrant said Ruiz-Sandoval worked closely with other co-conspirators, including John Joe Soto and Esteban Sinhue Mercado, who are also U.S. citizens currently residing in Mexico.
Investigators have seized more than $5 million in cash proceeds and more than 130 kilos of cocaine, with the alleged conspiracy involving smuggling large multi-kilo quantities of cocaine from Tijuana through San Diego to Los Angeles.
‘This office targets sophisticated international trafficking cells by hitting them where it hurts — their wallets,’ said U.S. Attorney Tara K. McGrath.
U.S. Attorney McGrath expressed her gratitude to the Los Angeles Police Department and the Hawthorne Police Department, which provided invaluable partnership in this investigation.
Ricardo Miranda-Beltran, 32, also known as Ricardo Miranda-Benitez, appeared Tuesday for his initial appearance on the indictment. Miranda was arrested in the Eastern District of California and ordered detained, and then ordered to appear in San Diego on these charges.
The prosecutions of Ruiz-Sandoval and others indicted in both cases will proceed in coordinated fashion. Another defendant, Jesus Ruiz-Sandoval, was already being investigated in a separate case, United States v. Sandoval et al., 24-CR-008 AB (C.D. Cal.).
The investigation is ongoing, with U.S. Attorney McGrath and Acting Special Agent in Charge for HSI San Diego, Christopher Davis, warning that those involved in international drug trafficking will be found and brought to justice.
This indictment marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice against transnational criminal organizations, said Director of Field Operations for San Diego Field Office, Sidney K. Aki.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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