California men sent meth, cocaine disguised as noodles, car parts to Australia, New Zealand

Four California men allegedly exported “wholesale” amounts of cocaine and methamphetamine disguised as instant noodles, seasoning and car parts to Australia, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand over about five years, the Justice Department said.

Federal prosecutors estimate that from 2017 until 2022, the men operated a complex drug trafficking ring, using military-grade encryption software and encrypted messaging apps to export the drugs by air, ocean freight and US mail, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

Two Orange County men — Hoang Xuan Le, 42, and Tri Cao Buinguyen, 38 — were arrested on a three-count federal grand jury indictment, the Justice Department announced on Friday.

Trung Buinguyen, 40, of Lakewood, and Narongsak Champy, 28, of Long Beach, are being sought by law enforcement, according to a press release.

The crew allegedly used fake names, businesses and email addresses to communicate with intermediaries, including vendors, shipping companies, customs brokers and customs officials in the U.S. and foreign countries, authorities said.

Law enforcement seized a total of 1,664 pounds of methamphetamine and more than 220 pounds of cocaine. Officials estimate the worth of the stash to be as much as $160 million.

In one 2018 instance, 860 pounds of methamphetamine hidden in packets of instant noodles and mushroom seasoning was sent to Australia. Another time that year, 249 pounds of methamphetamine and over 220 pounds of cocaine was sent disguised as garlic seasoning, according to the US Attorney’s Office.

All are charged with conspiracy to export and distribute controlled substances while Le and Buinguyen, who both pleaded not guilty, are also charged with distributing methamphetamine.

The four face life in prison if convicted.

With Post wires