Downey woman accused of moving drugs for Sinaloa cartel

DOWNEY – A Downey woman linked to the Sinaloa cartel was arrested Tuesday for her role in trafficking nearly $11 million worth of illicit drugs in Southern California, officials said.

Alma Ceja, 47, was one of 13 people arrested Tuesday.

Authorities didn’t specify her exact role in the drug trafficking organization but said she helped move heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl through the San Fernando Valley and Ventura County.

The group’s ring leader, 29-year-old Omar Rangel, was among those arrested. Authorities said he owned a business in the valley, which he used to funnel “substantial quantities of narcotics” for the Sinaloa cartel.

Law enforcement officials said they confiscated 161 pounds of methamphetamine, 121 pounds of cocaine, 13 pounds of heroin, nearly 7 pounds of fentanyl, and 600 fentanyl pills, with an estimated street value of $10.8 million.

Detectives also seized 12 guns and $353,000 cash.

More arrests are likely, officials said.