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New L.A.-based team to fight methamphetamine trade in California

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With most methamphetamine supplies entering the United States through California, authorities plan to create a task force aimed at combating the spread of the drug.

Atty. Gen. Kamala D. Harris announced plans Monday to form a Los Angeles-based anti-methamphetamine team to investigate illegal activities stemming from the manufacture and distribution of the drug.

Authorities said 70% of methamphetamine enters the U.S. through the San Diego Port of Entry.

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“Transnational criminal organizations have made California the largest point of entry for methamphetamine into the United States,” Harris said in a statement.

Funded by a $1-million federal grant, six special agents will work with members of the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force.

The new team is one of at least 18 California Department of Justice task forces focused on investigating major crimes, including drug trafficking.

In a 98-page report released in March by Harris, authorities found a surge of methamphetamine was being smuggled across the California-Mexico border.

Methamphetamine seizures at San Diego ports had tripled between 2009 and 2013 to more than 13,200 pounds.

For breaking news in Los Angeles and throughout California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA. She can be reached at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.

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