Meth hidden in dolls, hollow books by accused California smuggling ring, feds say

An accused ring of California drug smugglers hid methamphetamine in dolls, hollowed-out books and other items shipped overseas, federal authorities said.

Five people from the San Gabriel Valley face a 27-count federal grand jury indictment charging them with conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California said in a Feb. 7 news release.

A sixth person accused of being part of the conspiracy is a fugitive, and a seventh is in custody in Louisiana on immigration charges, federal officials said.

They are accused of shipping meth to be sold in Australia and New Zealand hidden in spools of 3D printing filament, utility cases, wine opener sets, drive shafts and other items, prosecutors said.

Photos provided by the U.S. Department of Justice show methamphetamine hidden inside dolls seized in Chicago.

According to court documents, they also hid drugs inside hollowed-out books, an air purifier, a tea set, lawn trimmer spools, a child car seat and a shipment of plates and mugs.

In all, law enforcement agencies seized 91 shipments of 200 kilograms of meth worth an estimated $20 million if sold in Australia and New Zealand, prosecutors said.

During the arrests Wednesday, Feb. 7, authorities seized 40 pounds of meth, more than $100,000 in cash, and 1,000 gift cards from various retailers, prosecutors said.

If convicted, the accused smugglers face 10 years to life in prison, officials said.

The San Gabriel Valley is about 15 miles east of downtown Los Angeles.

This story was originally published February 8, 2024 at 12:06 PM with the headline "Meth hidden in dolls, hollow books by accused California smuggling ring, feds say."