Feds seize heroin worth $17 million in California

By DON THOMPSON, The Associated Press
12:01 p.m. July 30, 2009

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Federal drug agents have broken up a narcotics ring they say was responsible for importing heroin valued at $17.5 million into California from Mexico.

Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence Brown says federal and local agents uncovered 200 kilograms of heroin and $670,000 in cash during an 18-month investigation.

The drug ring smuggled cash and heroin in secret compartments of vehicle engines and transmissions. The drugs were transported from Michoacan, Mexico, to Modesto.

A federal grand jury in Sacramento indicted 21 people in Mexico and California on charges of conspiring to import and distribute heroin and smuggle cash back to Mexico.

Prosecutors say 10 of the 21 individuals have been arrested but have not entered pleas.

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