Suspects busted in Tahoe-Santa Rosa drug sting

The arrests, in raids by 70 police officers early Tuesday, followed an an eight-month investigation by local, state and federal authorities.

Investigators allege those arrested and at least nine others conspired to import and sell large amounts of methamphetamine.

In addition to the Tahoe arrests, two suspects were arrested Tuesday in Santa Rosa, and four others already were in custody in Yolo, Sacramento and El Dorado counties. Three others remain at large.

The defendants are charged with possession and conspiracy to sell methamphetamine. They face maximum penalties of life in prison and fines of up to $4 million each.

Most of the drugs brought to Tahoe came from Santa Rosa, but Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Grad said investigators aren't sure where the meth was manufactured.

In Sacramento, U.S. Magistrate Judge John F. Moulds appointed attorneys to represent each defendant. Bail hearings are scheduled for next week, and the defendants are scheduled to return to court June 1 for formal arraignment and pleas.

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