Los Angeles Port Police task force officers have played a key role in several major regional narcotics and theft investigations, including the seizure of 1,378 pounds of methamphetamine valued at approximately $12.5m and the dismantling of a cargo theft ring responsible for stealing more than $2m worth of Nike merchandise.
One of the largest operations took place on July 28, when authorities executed a search warrant at a suspected methamphetamine production site in a remote desert area of Los Angeles County. The operation resulted in the seizure of 1,378 pounds of methamphetamine, both crystal and highly condensed liquid, valued at approximately $12.5m.
Investigators also recovered roughly $80,000 in U.S. currency. Three Mexican nationals responsible for manufacturing the narcotics were taken into custody.
This major seizure follows another narcotics investigation in Riverside County. That case resulted in the recovery of 119 kilograms of cocaine and two firearms, with three suspects identified.
The Los Angeles Port Police announced on Monday significant breakthroughs in multiple regional criminal investigations.
One investigation began in January 2026 when the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) New York Field Division (NYFD) and the DEA Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Group 48 began examining a Sinaloa Cartel drug trafficking organization operating in the Los Angeles area.
Over a six‑month period, the collaborative effort resulted in the seizure of 20,000 fentanyl pills and 20 pounds of methamphetamine through confidential investigative methods.
In a commercial crimes investigation, Cargo Theft Task Force Officers dismantled a sophisticated theft ring responsible for stealing more than $2m in Nike merchandise. That investigation led to felony indictments against 12 individuals.
“These operations highlight the dedication, expertise, and collaborative strength of our Task Force Officers,” said Los Angeles Port Police Capt. Daniel Cobos. “Their work continues to make a measurable impact on regional safety, drug trafficking suppression, and protection of commercial supply chains.”
The Los Angeles Port Police force, a specialized law enforcement agency, operates around the clock and is responsible for protecting the port from threats across land, sea, air and cyberspace.
The force includes more than 300 sworn officers and civilian personnel. Its jurisdiction spans 7,500 acres along 43 miles of waterfront.
Port police officers assist in combating narcotics trafficking, precursor chemical importation, illegal manufacturing operations, and in large-scale cargo theft investigations throughout the region.
