5 Suspects Held in Theft of $3.5 Million in Cargo

Authorities believe five people arrested in South El Monte are part of a cargo theft ring linked to the thefts of more than $3.5 million worth of merchandise, a sheriff’s official said.

The two men and three women, several of whom are also suspected of drug trafficking, were taken into custody after deputies stopped a rig loaded with $300,000 in stolen merchandise, sheriff’s officials said.

With the arrests, authorities believe they have solved 14 cargo thefts, said sheriff’s spokesman Fidel Gonzales. Investigators believe other people are involved in the ring, which may also be responsible for other thefts, he said.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Joe Garza, of the Pico Rivera station, said the truck was stopped about two weeks ago by deputies. The subsequent investigation led to the arrests last Friday at 2012 Seaman Ave. in South El Monte.

During the investigation, deputies recovered $300,000 in cocaine and about $200,000 in black tar heroin, along with the stolen merchandise, including computers, office equipment, rifles, handguns and clothing, Garza said.

Booked on suspicion of possessing narcotics for sale were Raymond Lopez, 21, and his sister, Maria Lopez, 22, and 34-year-old Raquel Gonzalez, Gonzales said. Bail for the three was set at $100,000 each.

Hector Coronado, 40, and his 30-year-old wife, Lupe, who were booked on suspicion of receiving stolen property, were released after posting $5,000 bail each, Gonzales said.