SAN DIEGO–Twenty-three people were charged in five indictments unsealed in federal court with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and cocaine base, distribution of cocaine and cocaine base, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, and money laundering.
Beginning early yesterday morning, members of the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, plus other law enforcement agencies, made numerous arrests stemming from the indictments. As of noon, 19 of the 23 defendants are either in federal or state custody. Authorities are continuing to search for four people.
The crackdown announced Wednesday is the latest in a series of efforts by the Department of Justice to turn the tide of the drug epidemic and reduce the inevitable violent crime that accompanies widespread drug trafficking by gangs.
“Today’s announcement is another strong message to those gang members that operate on the streets of San Diego,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Braverman. “If you peddle drugs, we will come after you with the full force of the federal government.”
“The FBI is proud to be in the fight to keep our communities safe, free from drug trafficking and associated dangerous criminal activity,” FBI Special Agent in Charge John Brown said. Yesterday’s arrests demonstrates the unwavering commitment, between and among the FBI and our law enforcement partners, to address these dangerous threats facing our community.”
This case is also the result of the ongoing efforts by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, a partnership that brings together the combined expertise and unique abilities of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.