San Diego, CA – Federal and local authorities in San Diego arrested three men, including two from Mexico and one from El Salvador, after they were allegedly caught transporting nearly 8,000 pounds of methamphetamine valued at over $5 million. The arrests were made as part of a joint narcotics investigation that took place earlier this week in the South Bay region.
The Arrests and Investigation
The incident unfolded on Monday evening, around 7 p.m., when detectives from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office (SDCSO) and U.S. Border Patrol agents observed three vehicles suspected of being loaded with drug bundles. The vehicles were seen at a parking lot on Otay Mesa Road, and authorities believed they were being loaded with methamphetamine.
According to a federal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of California, two of the vehicles were then driven toward a motel in San Ysidro, while the third vehicle headed to a motel in Chula Vista. All three drivers were arrested after the vehicles were surveilled and stopped.
The men were identified as 27-year-old Erick Omar Arriola from El Salvador, and Eugenio Lizama, 35, and Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes, 49, both from Mexico.
Methamphetamine Seizure
A search of the vehicles led to the discovery of 61 bundles of methamphetamine, which weighed a total of over 7,700 pounds. The estimated value of the seized drugs was around $5.5 million. This operation marks one of the largest methamphetamine seizures in the Southern District of California in 2025, according to the Department of Justice.
The seizure also stands as the most significant to date for the newly established Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, which was created by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security at the request of President Trump. This task force is part of a broader effort to combat drug trafficking and other criminal activities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Criminal Background and Charges
Arriola, who was arrested during this operation, has a criminal history that includes convictions for driving under the influence, battery of a spouse, and false imprisonment, as reported by the Department of Justice.
All three men face serious charges, including conspiracy, transportation, and possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell. They have been booked into the San Diego Central Jail.
Ongoing Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
The large methamphetamine bust highlights the ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to combat drug trafficking across the U.S.-Mexico border. The Southern District of California continues to see significant drug seizures, underscoring the importance of joint operations like this one in stopping the flow of illegal narcotics into the country.
