Authorities have charged seventeen individuals suspected of operating a vast methamphetamine distribution network that allegedly transported hundreds of pounds of the drug monthly throughout Northern California.
On Thursday, Placer County prosecutors revealed that the accused individuals face charges of conspiracy and transporting significant quantities of methamphetamine for sale. These charges follow an undercover operation, known as “Operation Meltdown,” which lasted for eight months.
The investigation kicked off in July 2025 when an undercover officer purchased several pounds of meth from a suspected dealer in North Auburn, according to the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. What originated as a solitary case quickly escalated into what investigators claim was a substantial trafficking network based in Sacramento that supplied drugs to Placer County.
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Authorities estimate that the organization was distributing nearly 500 pounds of meth monthly across Sacramento and Placer counties.
On March 12, nearly twenty law enforcement agencies executed coordinated raids on 25 homes and locations, resulting in multiple suspects being taken to the Placer County Jail.
During these operations, investigators reported seizing 65 pounds of meth, over 7 kilograms of cocaine, approximately half a pound of MDMA, 26 firearms, more than $100,000 in cash, and a laboratory believed to be producing DMT.
Sheriff’s officials noted that some members of the alleged drug ring were connected to a Mexican drug trafficking organization and Sacramento-area drug and gun trafficking gangs.
Prosecutors stated that all 17 defendants have appeared in court and entered not guilty pleas.
