DEA Seized $35 Million Cash, Ammo, Drugs From Suspected Mexican Cartel Members

United States agents arrested three Mexican nationals on Tuesday after seizing a stockpile of cash, drugs, and ammunition. These were found at a San Diego truck yard.

Around $3.5 million in cash were found with 685 kilograms of cocaine. A total of 24 kilograms of fentanyl was also found, and about 20,000 rounds and .50 caliber ammunition.

The agents also found hundreds of body armor and vests, according to a Fox News report.

"This seizure is significant not just because of its size, but because it demonstrates the direct correlation between narcotics, illicit money, and guns that drives violence in our communities and destroys lives," Homeland Security Investigation Special Agent in Charge Cardell T. Morant was quoted in a report.

Confiscated drugs linked to cartel

Officials said that the stash belonged to the Sinaloa cartel, an organization once led by the infamous drug kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán.

DEA Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery said the bust was a blow to the Mexican Cartels managing their operations in San Diego.

The men were believed to be tied to the cartel and were arrested in connection to the seized drugs. They were identified as Jesus Burgos Arias from Chula Vista, California, including Tijuana residents Juan Alatorre Venegas and Jose Yee Perez.

Venegas and Perez were charged on Tuesday with drug trafficking conspiracy. The case was part of a five-year investigation that has resulted in charges against more than 125 suspected cartel members and associated in the United States, as well as in various other countries.

Related story: Notorious Mexican Drug Cartel CJNG Allegedly Attempt to Assassinate Mexico City Police Chief, Three Others Died

The agency added it also provided a comprehensive view of the inner workings of one of the world's most infamous and violent drug cartels.

Agents involved in the case started working on it in 2011. At first, they believed it was part of a small-time drug operation in New City and Chula Vista.

However, evidence showed that the Sinaloa cartel was supplying the drugs. With this, the investigation involved other agencies from multiple states and countries.

The scores of arrests have resulted in confiscation of 1,397 kilograms of methamphetamine, 2214 kilograms of cocaine, 95.84 kilograms of heroin, and 17.2 tons of marijuana. A narcotic profit worth $27,892,706 was also seized.

Authorities on the lookout for smuggling

U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said that to eradicate this kind of threat to San Diego and their partners in the Republic of Mexico, they will continue to aggressively attack the Sinaloa Cartel's drug smuggling.

He also cited they will be efforts on money laundering and arms smuggling operations.

Brewer said that this will deprive them of their illegal merchandise, profits, and safe haven.

Callery was grateful for the collaborative work with the state and federal law enforcement partners, saying that they were able to announce this bust.

Callery added that they are further encouraged that they were able to separate them from the $3 million in drug proceeds, which came from selling death in their community and across the country.