[dropcap size=big]F[/dropcap]ederal authorities arrested nine members of a Southern California drug ring trying to FedEx methamphetamine disguised as decorative Aztec calendars and statues to Hawaii, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Central District Office.
“Those drugs were part of a nearly 90-pound shipment that appeared to be colorful, decorative Mexican items, including replicas of the 500-year-old Aztec calendar stone,” the U.S. Attorney’s Central District Office said in the statement Tuesday.
The nine members of the drug ring – including one who was already in custody for a crime not related to this case – are being charged with a series of crimes including conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, including three shipments this year.
The crew is accused of trying to ship about two pounds of meth to the island from a FedEx store in Santa Ana in January, according to the Los Angeles Times. In April, they tried sending nearly five pounds of meth that had been packed inside bags of ground coffee to Hawaii from a FedEx store in Cypress.
In the third shipment, the crew tried to mail about 25 pounds (11.7 kg) of meth from a post office in Garden Grove. Authorities intercepted all three shipments.
The Department of Justice described specific jobs performed by the individuals named in the indictment. It was the job of Felix Salgado, a 28 year old resident of Perris, to get wholesale quantities of meth on behalf of the conspiracy. German Bastidas Nunez, a.k.a. “Cheque,” a 46-year-old resident of Moreno Valley, was Felix’s supplier. He was the guy the federal authorities already had in custody.
Vaimanino Lee Pomele, 49, of Garden Grove, allegedly organized the shipments to Hawaii. His wife, Alejandra Pomele, 44, also of Garden Grove, allegedly delivered the narcotics to a customer on at least one occasion, authorities said. Stephen Dgewell Martin, 30, of Anaheim, allegedly took the dope disguised as Aztec calendars and statues to the post office in garden Grove. And Gary Wayne Minter, 55, of Victorville, was the guy who allegedly provided the stash house.
If convicted, the supects face a mandatory minimum sentence of at least five years in federal prison, but they potentially could be sentenced to decades in prison. They are being prosecuted out of the U.S. Central District’s Santa Ana Branch Office.
RELATED: ‘Ghost Guns’ ~ L.A. Gangs Are Making Their Own Untraceable Firearms
Read More:
Stay in touch
Sign up for our free newsletter
More from L.A. TACO
Juárez-Style Burritos Have Arrived in Southern California, And They are Already Selling Out In Less than An Hour
The month-old strip mall taquería in Anaheim make all their flour tortillas from scratch using both lard and butter, resulting in an extremely tender vehicle for their juicy guisados like carne en su jugo, carne deshebrada, chile colorado, chile relleno, and chicharrón. Every tortilla is cooked to order, too.
Urgent: L.A. TACO Falling Short of Fundraising Goals and Needs Your Support
Emergency. This is not a test. This is not a ruse. This is not a marketing scheme. We need your support if we're going to make it and every single membership counts.
What To Eat In L.A. This Weekend: Mexican-Style Pastrami, ‘Trashburgers,’ and Flamin’ Jim Morrisons
Plus, a new shawarma spot in Tarzana and the country's first wine festival dedicated solely to orange "skin contact" wine happening in Hollywood.
The 11 Best Backyard Restaurants in Los Angeles
Despite many requests to publish this guide, L.A. TACO has been somewhat protective of these gems to not "burn out the spots." However, we wanted to share it with our small, loyal pool of paid members, as we appreciate your support (and know you to be okay, non-NARCs). Please enjoy responsibly and keep these 'hood secrets...secrets.
Here’s What an L.A. TACO Membership Gets You and Why You Should Support Local Journalism
With more than 30 members-only perks at the best L.A. restaurants, breweries, and dispensaries waiting to be unlocked, the L.A. TACO membership pays for itself!
