Feds seize heroin worth $17 million, indict 21 in Mexico, California drug ring

Feds seize heroin worth $17 million in California

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Authorities say federal drug agents have broken up a narcotics ring responsible for importing heroin valued at $17.5 million into California from Mexico.

Acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence Brown said Thursday federal and local agents discovered 200 kilograms of heroin and $670,000 in cash during an 18-month investigation.

The drug ring is suspected of smuggling cash and heroin in secret compartments of vehicle engines and transmissions. The drugs were transported from Michoacan, Mexico, to Modesto.

A federal grand jury in Sacramento indicted 21 people in Mexico and California on charges of conspiring to import and distribute heroin and smuggle cash back to Mexico.

Prosecutors say 10 of the 21 individuals have been arrested but have not entered pleas