Dozens of suspected drug-cartel members arrested in San Diego

A multiagency criminal sweep in San Diego arrested dozens of alleged Mexican drug-cartel members today.

The task force titled, “Operation Second Sole,” arrested 43 “high value” drug-cartel suspects trafficking drugs, weapons and stolen property. Authorities said these assailants engaged in “incredible acts of violence” throughout San Diego communities.

“Many of the suspects arrested today have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous,” San Diego Police Lieutenant Kevin Ammon said. “The success of today’s operation rid the county of a serious threat to the safety and security of our citizens.”

Federal, state and local law enforcement officers used search warrants to take down and arrest 43 cartel suspects. The morning raids captured criminals without incident in and around San Diego County.

Ammon explained the joint task force was successful in “disrupting criminal enterprises.”

Law enforcement agencies launched ‘Operation Second Sole’ to “interrupt and prevent dangerous individuals from committing acts of violence in furtherance of narcotics trafficking,” said John Torres, ATF special-agent-in charge in Southern California.
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“As a result of this joint effort, suspects implicated in criminal activity ranged from homicide to armed robbery. (All) have been taken into custody along with (the) seized contraband, including illegal firearms and methamphetamine,” Torres said.

The Mexican cartel sweep is part of an effort to disrupt criminal gangs along the U.S. border and break up illicit drug rings.

The multi-agency taskforce included, San Diego Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms & Explosives (BATFE), Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), San Diego County District Attorney's Office, U.S. Attorney's Office, U.S. Marshals Service, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), California Border Protection Alliance Group (HIDTA), San Diego County Sheriff's Department and finally the Chula Vista Police Department.

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