Alleged drug web unraveled slowly

By Tracy Manzer, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 04/10/2007 11:08:13 PM PDT

The arrest Monday of an Ontario man suspected of leading a multimillion-dollar, cross-border drug operation capped a nine-month investigation by the Long Beach Police Department, the California Department of Justice and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration that has resulted in more than a dozen arrests and the seizure of more than 220 pounds of methamphetamine worth an estimated $7.9 million.

In addition, hundreds of thousands of dollars bound for drug manufacturers in Tijuana, Mexico, have been seized, and several other suspects, from street-level dealers to high-powered brokers, have been identified and are still being sought, said Long Beach police Sgt. Paul LeBaron.

Thus far, authorities have seized more than 220 pounds of methamphetamines and more than $200,000 in cash. Close to a dozen vehicles, including two BMWs and a Cadillac Escalade, have been seized, and properties purchased with drug money could be taken away from the owners, LeBaron said.