The Drug Enforcement Administration and Santa Clara County District Attorney Dolores Carr today announced the investigation ended Thursday when more than 100 local, state and federal law enforcement officers served four warrants in Menlo Park, San Martin, Morgan Hill, Modesto and two more in San Jose.
Law enforcement also seized nine kilograms of cocaine, five vehicles, a shotgun and more than $500,000 in U.S. currency.
"This drug trafficking cell was responsible for the transfer of large sums of cash in exchange for substantial amounts of ice methamphetamine and cocaine for distribution in the Bay Area," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Pena. "This combined enforcement effort clearly demonstrates our commitment to dismantle these cells and disrupt drug trafficking organizations at their highest levels."
The investigation began in the spring of 2006. Investigators learned the operation was being run by Antonio Abarca, of Menlo Park, who remains at large. The Bay Area ring allegedly has connections to operations in Southern California, Atlanta and Mexico, according to the DEA.
Authorities still have outstanding warrants on four more suspects including Abarca, 42, Maria Castaneda, 51, of Hemet, Raul Mendoza, 20, of Tracy and Eric Jimenez Barragan, 22, of Riverbank.
"The massive amount of drug activity in this case poses a significant threat to the safety of the public, including residents of Santa Clara County," Carr said. "The collaborative effort of many different agencies in investigating and apprehending these suspects allows us to improve and maintain public safety, while at the same time, tackling the drug problem head-on."
The DEA estimates the meth to be worth $1 million.
