Major Drug Smuggling Operation Using Fire Extinguishers Busted

The U.S. Department of Justice charges 17 in a scheme that brought fentanyl and other drugs from Mexico to Los Angeles.

17 individuals have been charged in a drug smuggling operation that used fire extinguishers to transport fentanyl and other drugs from Mexico to Los Angeles.
The smuggling scheme, dubbed 'Operation Smoke Jumpers' by the U.S. Department of Justice, resulted in 13 seizures, including 680,992 fentanyl pills and significant quantities of heroin and methamphetamine.
Ten of the suspects are in custody in the U.S., while seven are wanted in Mexico. Charges include narcotics conspiracies, drug possession offenses, and a money laundering conspiracy.
The investigation focused on Carin Trucking, a San Diego-based company, which operated semitrucks that regularly crossed the border, concealing drugs within fire extinguishers.
Fentanyl has become Los Angeles County’s deadliest drug, with its involvement in fatal opioid overdoses nationwide skyrocketing from 20% in 2016 to 92% in 2022.