Four California men allegedly exported “wholesale” quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine disguised as instant noodles, condiments and auto parts to Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand for about five years, the Justice Department said.
Federal prosecutors estimate that from 2017 to 2022, the men operated a complex drug trafficking network, using military-grade encryption software and encrypted messaging apps to export the drugs by air, sea and U.S. mail. , according to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for the Central Region. District of California.
Two Orange County men, Hoang Xuan Le, 42, and Tri Cao Buinguyen, 38, were arrested on a three-count federal grand jury indictment, the Department of Justice announced Friday.
Trung Buinguyen, 40, of Lakewood, and Narongsak Champy, 28, of Long Beach, are being sought by authorities, according to a news release.
Federal prosecutors estimate that from 2017 to 2022, the men operated a complex drug trafficking network. REUTERS
The crew allegedly used false names, companies and email addresses to communicate with intermediaries, including suppliers, shipping companies, customs brokers and customs officials in the United States and foreign countries, authorities said.
Authorities seized a total of 1,664 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 220 pounds of cocaine. Authorities estimate the value of the cache at $160 million.
In one 2018 case, 860 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in packets of instant noodles and mushroom seasoning were shipped to Australia. On another occasion that year, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 249 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 220 pounds of cocaine were shipped disguised as garlic seasoning.
If convicted on all charges, each defendant would face a statutory maximum sentence of life in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Getty Images/iStockphoto
All are charged with conspiracy to export and distribute controlled substances, while Le and Buinguyen, who have pleaded not guilty, are also charged with distributing methamphetamine.
All four face life in prison if convicted.
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Source: vtt.edu.vn