More than 400 pounds of illegal drugs were seized this week when 23 individuals involved in a drug trafficking ring were arrested for attempting to smuggle drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border.
The drug trafficking ring was transporting large amounts of methamphetamine and other controlled substances into San Diego County for distribution across the southeastern U.S.
Drugs seized during the operation include more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, nearly 200 pounds of marijuana, one pound of cocaine and three pounds of heroin.
The San Diego District Attorney’s Office filed charges against 12 defendants including possession of methamphetamine for sale, transportation of methamphetamine and employing a minor to carry a controlled substance. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is also prosecuting defendants arrested as part of the investigation.
“This is the second time in one week that law enforcement agencies have joined forces to disrupt a major drug trafficking operation with ties to Mexico,” District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis said. “These latest arrests and our office’s prosecution of these individuals will have a significant impact on the cartel’s ability to operate in San Diego.”
The district attorney’s office and the Drug Enforcement Administration initiated the joint investigation targeting a cross-border drug trafficking ring. Many law enforcement agencies were involved in the investigation including U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sheriff’s Department and others.
The arrests are part of a national Drug Enforcement Administration takedown “Project Delirium.” The 15-month long investigation targeted major Mexican drug trafficking organizations with links to dangerous drug cartels.
Across the country, there were more than 1,980 arrests. Seizures included $60 million in cash, nearly 2,770 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 2,720 kg of cocaine, 1,000 pounds of heroin, 14,000 pounds of marijuana and $3.8 million in other assets.
