A federal complaint has been filed against Erick Arriola, Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes, and Eugenio Lizama for allegedly conspiring to distribute nearly four tons of methamphetamine. The three individuals are accused of driving drug-laden vehicles in one of the largest methamphetamine seizures of 2025 in Southern California.
The Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, established by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security, facilitated this operation. The task force aims to prosecute transnational criminal organizations involved in various illegal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
According to the complaint, on June 2, 2025, law enforcement officials observed four vehicles gathering at a parking lot on Otay Mesa Road. It is alleged that bundles were transferred from a semi-truck into two vans and a truck. The defendants were arrested after each vehicle was found with large quantities of methamphetamine.
Arriola is an El Salvador national previously convicted of DUI and other offenses. Rodriguez Reyes and Lizama are Mexican nationals.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the importance of the task force in ensuring community safety: “The recent formation of Homeland Security Task Force San Diego is an essential step to fulfilling the promises of Operation Take Back America.”
Shawn Gibson from HSI San Diego expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with partners against transnational crime: “Cases under the HSTF will be a priority for me and staff as we all will continue to work together to secure our border and keep our communities safe.”
Acting Chief Patrol Agent Jeffrey Stalnaker highlighted the benefits of inter-agency collaboration: “Collaboration between law enforcement agencies greatly helps to effectively combat transnational criminal organizations.”
Houtan Moshrefi from FBI San Diego stated: “When we combine our unique capabilities, authorities, strengths, and assets, we create a unified response to the expansive cartel threat.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Kyle Martin from the Narcoterrorism Unit is prosecuting this case. The charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, both carrying maximum penalties of life imprisonment.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including Homeland Security Investigations, FBI, United States Border Patrol, and San Diego County Sheriff’s Department as part of Operation Take Back America.
