31 face charges in meth ring bust in Calif., Wash.

By GREG RISLING, Associated Press Writer
Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 10:15 a.m.

LOS ANGELES — Authorities say 31 people face drug conspiracy charges for helping pump large amounts of methamphetamine into the U.S. from Mexico.

A federal criminal complaint says the Don Chuy drug ring funneled meth into California and Washington using vehicle batteries equipped with hidden compartments.

Authorities have seized about 90 pounds of meth worth more than $5 million as well as eight kilograms of cocaine.

Ten people were arrested during raids Thursday in California.

The suspected ringleader, Jesus Marquez-Marquez, was believed to be in Mexico and has not yet been arrested.

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