Railway Heist Ring: Sinaloa-linked crew nets $333,000

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department deputies arrested nine Mexican nationals on Friday, Oct. 16, ending a 12-month investigation into organized theft from BNSF Railway trains. Officials stated that the suspects were connected to the Sinaloa Cartel and stole millions of dollars in property.

Investigators served a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of East 25th Street, near North Harrison Street and East Marshall Boulevard. Authorities recovered more than $333,000 in merchandise at the scene. The haul included JBL speakers, Logitech computer hardware, Victoria's Secret items, and shoes from Nike and New Balance.

Deputies also seized four semiautomatic handguns, a surveillance drone, and a large sum of cash. Investigators found tools used to breach train cargo containers, fentanyl, and four vehicles linked to recent burglaries. All nine suspects were booked into the Central Detention Center.

The arrested individuals include Jose Navarrete, 24, Brian Iran Fontes-Carrillo, 27, Mauro Ruiz-Medina, 30, Pastor Pena-Lerma, 43, Alfredo Covarrubias-Navarrete, 24, Jose Alfredo Castillo-Baca, 24, Jose Ismael Palafox-Bernal, 18, Cesar Daniel Navarrete-Martinez, 31, and Cristian Erubiel Navarrete-Zapien, 23. Charges include conspiracy, theft of railroad property, and possession of a controlled substance while armed.

The sheriff's department has not released photos of the suspects. The agency asked the public to report information about the crimes. Anonymous tips are accepted by calling or texting the word REPORT to 844-909-3006, or by submitting information online.