Drug Bust Shows Presence Of Mexico's Sinaloa Cartel In Northern California, Authorities Said

BERKELEY, CA - MARCH 25: Marijuana plants are displayed at the Berkeley Patients Group March 25, 2010 in Berkeley, California. California Secretary of State Debra Bowen certified a ballot initiative late yesterday to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana in the State of California after proponents of the measure submitted over 690,000 signatures. The measure will appear on the November 2 general election ballot. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) (2010 Getty Images)

Modesto, CA – Eleven people were arrested Wednesday morning in a Modesto-area, drug bust.

The operation was said to be a part of an expansive Central Valley drug ring, spanning from Merced County to Modesto, Calif.

According to federal investigators, the ring has ties to the infamous Sinaloa cartel in Mexico, headed by notorious Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman.

Two ranches in Stanislaus County were among the searched properties. During their investigation into the drug trafficking scheme, agents found meth, five indoor marijuana grow operations, nearly 60 pounds of processed marijuana and more than $20,000 in cash.

Officers believe the organization was growing marijuana and distributing methamphetamine. Evidence found Wednesday morning leads them to believe the group was using sophisticated methods to hide and smuggle the drugs, including in hollowed out trucks, with hidden compartments.