20 HELD IN 2-YEAR PROBE OF MEXICAN DRUG RING

A two-year Tehama County methamphetamine investigation has taken out a
major arm of a Mexican drug ring with connections throughout California,
state Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement officials said.

Jack Nehr, the bureau's special agent in charge, said the drug ring was a
Mexican national organization that moved to the northern part of the state
from Southern California. In such drug rings, instructions and profits flow
in and out of Mexico, he said.

Since the operation began in March 2000, eight suspects have been indicted
on federal charges and 12 others face state charges.