DATE/TIME: October 16, 2026, at 2:55 p.m.
INCIDENT: Nine Suspects Linked to the Sinaloa Cartel Arrested in Organized Train Cargo Theft Investigation
LOCATION: 1200 Block of East 35th Street, San Bernardino
SUSPECT(S): Jose Navarrete, 24-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Brian Iran Fontes-Carrillo, 27-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Mauro Ruiz-Medina, 30-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Pastor Pena-Lerma, 43-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Alfredo Covarrubias-Navarrete, 24-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Jose Alfredo Castillo-Baca, 24-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Jose Ismael Palafox-Bernal, 18-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Cesar Daniel Navarrete-Martinez, 31-years-old, Resident of Mexico
Cristian Erubiel Navarrete- Zapien, 23-years-old, Resident of Mexico
VICTIM(S): Burlington Northern Santa Fe Rail Road
SUMMARY: The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Rural Crime Task Force (RCTF) arrested nine suspects connected to the Sinaloa Cartel and recovered more than $333,000 in stolen retail merchandise during an investigation into organized train cargo thefts.
Over the past 12 months, Sheriff's Department investigators have investigated an organized criminal network connected to the Sinaloa Cartel responsible for burglaries targeting Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) Railway trains, resulting in millions of dollars in stolen property. Investigators identified a coordinated operation involving numerous suspects and vehicles used to steal cargo from trains.
On Friday, October 16, 2026, RCTF investigators, with assistance from the Sheriff's Specialized Enforcement Division (SED), served a search warrant at a residence in the 1200 block of East 35th Street in San Bernardino. During the operation, investigators arrested nine suspects from Sinaloa, Mexico, in connection with the ongoing investigation into organized train cargo thefts.
During the search, investigators recovered more than $333,000 worth of stolen retail merchandise, including JBL speakers, Logitech computer hardware, Victoria's Secret merchandise, Nike shoes, New Balance shoes, and Husky tools. Investigators also seized four semiautomatic handguns, a drone used for surveillance, a large amount of cash, tools used to access train cargo containers, fentanyl suspected to be possessed for sale, and four vehicles connected to recent train cargo burglaries.
The nine suspects were booked at the Central Detention Center on charges including conspiracy (PC 182(a)(1)), theft of railroad property (PC 487h), and possession of a controlled substance while armed (HS 11370.1).
The Sheriff's Department remains committed to disrupting organized criminal networks operating in San Bernardino County. Investigators will continue working to identify and arrest additional suspects and recover stolen property. Anyone with information about these crimes or those involved is encouraged to contact the Sheriff's Department.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous should call or text "REPORT" to We-Tip at 844-909-3006. Online reporting is also available at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites.
Refer: Sgt. M. Rios or Det J. Francis
Station: Rural Crimes Division / Victor Valley Station
Phone No. (760) 248-7655
Case No. 522600100
SHANNON D. DICUS, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
