DEA delivers major blow to Sinaloa Cartel with 15 arrests and enormous drug seizures

The Drug Enforcement Administration 's Los Angeles Field Division announced its "Operation Hotline Bling" has delivered a major blow to Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman's Sinaloa Cartel , culminating in at least 15 arrests and monumental drug seizures .

The DEA worked with multiple agencies, including the Riverside Police Department and the United States Postal Inspection Service, to launch "Operation Hotline Bling" in March 2023, according to a press release published last week.

"During the investigation, agents seized a total of approximately 376 pounds of methamphetamine, 37.4 pounds of fentanyl, 600,000 fentanyl tablets, 1.4 kilograms of cocaine, and seven firearms," the release read. "The drugs seized in this investigation have an estimated 'street value' of $16 million."

The seized fentanyl was enough to manufacture 10 million fatal doses.

"We will continue leveraging every available resource to disrupt drug distribution trying to make its way into our Riverside neighborhoods," Larry Gonzalez, the police chief of Riverside, California, said.

"Our collaboration with the DEA is not just about enforcement, but it’s about safeguarding the future of our community and ensuring that Riverside remains a safe and thriving place for people to live, work, and raise families," Gonzalez said.

Along with the seizures came three federal indictments that charged at least six defendants and the issuance of roughly 16 state arrest warrants, according to the release.

"During the course of the investigation, agents developed information regarding a corrupt Riverside County Correctional Deputy," the release read. "The DEA and Riverside Police provided investigative leads to the Riverside County Sheriff Department, ultimately assisting in the arrest of the deputy while he was in possession of 104 pounds of fentanyl pills."

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That deputy, who is believed to be Jorge Oceguera-Rocha (though not named in the release), was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of a controlled substance for sales, according to a report.

He has pleaded not guilty and faces up to a 10-year prison sentence if convicted.