Feds bust suspected meth traffickers

Three Orland men with suspected gang ties are among half a dozen recently charged in federal court with distributing methamphetamine and conspiracy to distribute the drug.

A grand jury last Thursday (June 13) in Sacramento returned indictments against Manuel Perez, 33; Gregorio Rojas, 28; and Jorge Zarate, 23, following a joint investigation by local, state and federal authorities, U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott announced in a press release.

The men—and several other defendants from Los Angeles, Sacramento and Oregon—have allegedly been linked to Sureño street gangs that claim allegiance to the Mexican Mafia, according to the release. Most of the indictments targeted suspected gang members who held senior positions in their organizations.

If convicted, the men face the possibility of life in prison.