Cops, Agents Surround National City Home

Agents say the activity is tied to a drug smuggling investigation

Law enforcement officers from various agencies surrounded a home in National City to serve a search warrant in an ongoing illegal drug smuggling operation early Tuesday.

At least half a dozen officers or federal agents dressed in camouflage uniforms with helmets and Kevlar vests were staged outside a multi-unit home at K and E. 9th Streets with drawn rifles at 6:25 a.m.

There was also a SWAT vehicle with Homeland Security logo on the side parked near the home’s driveway.

Several K-9 teams were on scene along with an animal control officer.

A spokesperson for Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) told NBC 7 the police activity was tied to a drug smuggling investigation involving all types of narcotics - marijuana, heroin and cocaine - coming into the U.S. from Mexico.

Two men and one woman were handcuffed by agents. The HSI spokesperson did not reveal if the people taken into custody will face charges in connection with the illegal drug activity.

ICE spokesperson Lauren Mack confirmed the police activity was part of a Homeland Security Investigation.

Mack initially told NBC 7 that four people were taken into custody and will face drug charges in state court. However, Mack later modified that number as one person arrested and facing charges. The other three people detained were the suspect's roommates, Mack said.

National City police patrol cars were also on scene. A spokesperson for the National City Police Department would not confirm their officers were involved or provide details of the incident. At 7:50 a.m., National City issued an advisory to the media describing a a narcotics search warrant.

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