Drugs, 12 Suspects Seized in 4 Raids

Glendale police and federal drug agents seized 726 pounds of cocaine and arrested 12 suspected drug dealers in a series of related drug busts early Friday morning.

Ten Colombian nationals and two U.S. citizens involved in what police allege was a “coast-to-coast drug smuggling operation” were arrested at four locations. The drugs, with an estimated street value of $30 million, were seized at locations in Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.

Lt. Mike Post, commander of the Glendale Police Department’s narcotics bureau, described the action as a major bust. “If this was a department store chain, we took down one of their branch stores,” Post said.

The arrests were made as authorities served five search warrants obtained after a one-week investigation, which began when an informant passed a tip to police.

All those arrested were charged with possession of cocaine for sale and conspiracy. They were being held at the Glendale Police Department with bails ranging from $500,000 to $2 million.