Released Nov. 10, 2025

In late 2024, the Salinas Police Department’s Violence Suppression Task Force began an investigation into a large-scale drug trafficking organization operating in our city.

Through months of investigation, officers uncovered a sophisticated operation led by a married couple, Mathew and Karen Loggins, who were distributing large quantities of narcotics throughout Salinas, particularly in the Chinatown area, an area already struggling with homelessness and repeated overdose deaths.

This organization was responsible for flooding our streets with methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, and other dangerous drugs. The Loggins DTO profited from some of our community’s most vulnerable residents — those living unhoused and battling addiction.

During the course of the investigation, investigators found that the Loggins network used multiple individuals as “drug runners” who transported narcotics from Southern California to Salinas. During many of these trips, Mathew and/or Karen followed closely behind in separate vehicles to ensure the drugs arrived safely.

Evidence seized during the case indicated direct ties to Mexican cartel associates; this was based on packaging and signature-stamp markings found on the narcotics.

One of the most disturbing discoveries in this case was the Loggins’ willingness to accept state-funded EBT cards as payment for drugs. Many of their customers, who were unhoused residents in Chinatown, handed over their EBT cards and PINs, allowing the traffickers to drain those public-assistance funds for their own profit.

Throughout this investigation, the VSTF conducted several enforcement stops and served search warrants that led to multiple seizures of narcotics and cash. On October 27, 2025, the investigation culminated with the execution of three search warrants — two at residences and one at a storage unit — all belonging to Mathew and Karen Loggins.

Both were taken into custody without incident. Recovered from these locations were two firearms, a large amount of U.S. currency, and additional evidence tying them to their network. Officers also served search warrants on several banks connected to the DTO, leading to significant asset seizures.

Total narcotics seized:

• 26 lb 13.28 oz methamphetamine
• 6 lb 2.9 oz fentanyl “M30” pills
• 17 lb 6 oz powder fentanyl
• 1 oz heroin
• 11.2 g cocaine

Assets seized:

• Over $435,000 in cash and bank accounts
• Jewelry and designer bags
• Two vehicles: 2022 Jeep Wagoneer; 2020 Dodge Charger
• Two firearms

See story at KSBD Monterey-Salinas.