Fresno police seize $350,000 in methamphetamine during undercover operation

The Fresno Police Department seized more than 53 pounds of methamphetamine, valued at around $350,000, as part of a three-month undercover investigation into a local drug trafficking ring.

Lt. Joe Gomez said the operation began in March when an undercover narcotics detective was introduced to a methamphetamine dealer. The man told the detective that he could get pounds of methamphetamine from Mexico, and an investigation began.

Gomez said that undercover detectives were introduced to various members of the organization, each of whom was arrested when they attempted to deliver drugs to the detectives. In all, 18 people were arrested during the operation.

The investigation concluded Tuesday with the arrest of the final three members of the organization as they attempted to deliver 5 pounds of methamphetamine to detectives, Gomez said. Two of the men were from Fresno and one was from Mexico. Police believe the Mexican man was one of the drug suppliers.

Four guns were also seized during the investigation.

This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 3:29 PM with the headline "Fresno police seize $$350,000 in methamphetamine during undercover operation."