Six people are in custody after federal agents raided a home in Rosemead believed to be linked to a drug-smuggling ring run by Chinese nationals.
The operation was allegedly hiding methamphetamine in objects such as ceramic plates and mugs and hollowed-out books and shipping them to Australia and New Zealand via UPS and other means, authorities say. Experts say the drugs would fetch much higher prices abroad than in Southern California.
Large quantities of meth and currency were seized at the property, where 23 people were said to be living.
Some of those at the home were minors and the county’s Department of Children and Family Services is investigating their circumstances.
It appears some of the property’s other residents were tenants, apparently unconnected to the drug operation. One woman told Eyewitness News her boyfriend was renting a room at the property and was questioned then released by federal agents.
Agents with the FBI and DEA as well as local police investigated the operation and on Wednesday morning a search warrant was executed in the 2700 block of New Avenue. Of the six arrests made, two were at the Rosemead home, which is expected to be seized by authorities.