Breaking

Nine Sinaloa Cartel Associates Arrested in Year-Long California Rail Theft Operation

Nine men with alleged ties to Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel were arrested in Southern California on Oct. 16 following a yearlong investigation into organized cargo thefts targeting BNSF Railway trains. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department arrested the suspects at a residence in San Bernardino. The coordinated criminal network stole millions of dollars in merchandise from rail shipments using multiple vehicles and operatives. Investigators recovered over $333,000 in stolen retail goods including JBL speakers, Logitech hardware, Nike and New Balance footwear, Victoria's Secret merchandise, and Husky tools. Authorities also seized four semiautomatic handguns, a surveillance drone, specialized tools for accessing cargo containers, four vehicles, suspected fentanyl and cash. All nine suspects, identified as Mexican residents, face charges including conspiracy, theft of railroad property and armed possession of controlled substances.