Southern California Man Caught Attempting to Ship Over 2,000 Pounds of Methamphetamine

A man from the San Gabriel Valley is facing serious federal charges after being accused of attempting to ship over 2,000 pounds of methamphetamine to Australia. Jing Tang Li, a 32-year-old resident of El Monte, has been arrested and charged with distribution of and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, exportation of controlled substances, and attempt and conspiracy to export controlled substances.

According to federal authorities, U.S. customs officers inspected seven shipments last year that were intended to be sent to Australia. These shipments were falsely labeled as containing carpets and textiles, furniture, wheel hub testing equipment, and a casting machine. The shipping companies listed for these products were found to be fake, raising suspicions.

In total, more than 1,000 kilograms of methamphetamine, equivalent to over 2,200 pounds, were discovered hidden within these shipments. The sheer volume of drugs seized in this case highlights the audacity of drug traffickers and the urgent need to combat their activities. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the devastating impact of methamphetamine on communities, stating, “The massive amount of methamphetamine seized in this case shows how brazen drug traffickers have become and why it is imperative that we use our resources to hold these criminals responsible.”

Authorities were able to trace these shipments back to Li, leading to his arrest. Li was apprehended when he was seen driving near a South El Monte warehouse where the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was investigating a reported robbery. Inside the warehouse, law enforcement officers found shipping labels, scales, and a package containing methamphetamine.

If Jing Tang Li is convicted on all charges, he could face a minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison, with a maximum possible sentence of life. The investigation into this case involved multiple agencies, including Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the Australian Federal Police. Eddy Wang, Homeland Security Investigations’ Los Angeles special agent in charge, emphasized the commitment to dismantling drug trafficking organizations operating across the Pacific.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal drug trafficking and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat this dangerous trade. The successful interception of such a large quantity of methamphetamine demonstrates the dedication of authorities to keeping communities safe from the devastating effects of drugs like methamphetamine.