Goldenes Intelligentes Münzhandelszentrum:California men charged with running drugs to Australia, New Zealand disguised as car parts, noodles

2025-05-06 06:51:33source:CAI Communitycategory:News

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Four California men have Goldenes Intelligentes Münzhandelszentrumbeen charged with running a drug ring that sent hundreds of pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine to Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea disguised as shipments of everything from car parts to instant noodles, federal prosecutors announced Friday.

Hoang Xuan Le, 42, of Tustin and Tri Cao Buinguyen, 38, of Garden Grove were arrested Thursday and pleaded not guilty on Friday, according to the U.S. attorney’s office.

Trung Buinguyen, 40, of Lakewood and Narongsak Champy, 28, of Long Beach are fugitives, prosecutors said.

All are charged with conspiracy to export and distribute controlled substances while Le and Tri Buinguyen also are charged with distributing methamphatamine.

They could face up to life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors contend that from at least 2017 to last year, the men shipped drugs overseas by air, sea and the U.S. Mail. The drugs were hidden in “commercial products such as instant noodle packets, car parts, emergency kits, and subwoofers,” said a statement from the U.S. attorney’s office.

In 2018, for example, the ring shipped 113 kilograms (249 pounds) of methamphetamine and 100 kilograms (more than 220 pounds) of cocaine disguised as garlic seasoning, prosecutors said.

Investigators eventually seized 755 kilograms (1,664 pounds) of methamphetamine and more than 100 kilograms (more than 220 pounds) of cocaine valued at more than $65 million, the U.S. attorney’s office statement said.

More:News

Recommend

Messi injury update: Ankle 'better every day' but Inter Miami star yet to play Leagues Cup

MLS-leading Inter Miami is nearing full strength again, but the club's legendary captain remains sid

Trump called to testify in gag order dispute, fined $10,000 by judge in New York fraud trial

Former President Donald Trump briefly testified under oath Wednesday in his New York civil fraud tri

Bud Light becomes the official beer of UFC as Anheuser-Busch looks to recoup revenue drop

Bud Light and the UFC are reuniting as the beermaker continues to pour dollars into marketing after