San Diego authorities seize $5M+ worth of meth in South Bay, California

Federal and local authorities in San Diego made a significant drug bust earlier this week, resulting in the arrest of three men who were in the U.S. illegally. Two of the men are from Mexico, while the third is from El Salvador. The trio was apprehended after they were found transporting nearly 8,000 pounds of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of over $5 million.

The operation unfolded on Monday evening in the South Bay region of San Diego, as part of a joint narcotics investigation conducted by the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Border Patrol agents. The authorities observed three vehicles being loaded with bundles of drugs in a parking lot on Otay Mesa Road.

According to a federal complaint filed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Southern District of California, two of the vehicles were headed to motels in San Ysidro, while the third went to a motel in Chula Vista. All three drivers were ultimately arrested.

The individuals were identified as 27-year-old Erick Omar Arriola from El Salvador, along with Mexican nationals Eugenio Lizama, 35, and Baltazar Rodriguez Reyes, 49. Arriola, a convicted felon, has a history of driving under the influence, battery of a spouse, and false imprisonment.

Upon searching the vehicles, authorities discovered a total of 61 bundles of methamphetamine, weighing over 7,700 pounds. The drugs were valued at approximately $5.5 million. This seizure was deemed one of the largest methamphetamine busts in 2025 in the Southern District of California.

The Department of Justice highlighted that this was also a significant accomplishment for the newly established Homeland Security Task Force San Diego, a joint initiative between the DOJ and DHS at the request of President Trump.

All three men have been booked into the San Diego Central Jail and are facing charges related to conspiracy, transportation, and possession of controlled substances for sales. The successful operation serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and keep communities safe.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office shared images of the seized drugs and the vehicles involved in the operation. Methamphetamine continues to be a prevalent and dangerous substance in the illicit drug trade, posing serious risks to individuals and communities.

This latest arrest underscores the importance of collaboration between federal and local agencies in combating drug-related crimes. The diligent work of law enforcement authorities in San Diego has led to the removal of a significant quantity of drugs from circulation, ultimately making the streets safer for residents.