16 people from Southern California are facing charges related to the distribution of drugs coordinated by a group based out of Escondido.
A news release from the U.S. Department of Justice on Tuesday states that two federal indictments were unsealed, which detail part of how the suspects allegedly ran the operation.
According to the DOJ, more than 150 agents from federal, state and local agencies served search warrants in Escondido, San Diego, Orange County and Roanoke, Virginia on Tuesday morning.
“This case is a direct hit against a dangerous drug trafficking network that has been flooding our communities with deadly narcotics,” reads part of a statement from Special Agent in Charge of HSI San Diego Shawn Gibson.
The release states that during the 16-month investigation, officials seized more than 4 lbs. of fentanyl, more than 116 lbs. of methamphetamine, amounts of cocaine and Adderall, nine firearms and ammunition, and body armor.
According to the DOJ, two of the defendants allegedly had “leadership roles” in the trafficking operation and coordinated the distribution of meth and fentanyl.
On two separate occasions in January and February of 2024, an undercover agent reportedly purchased meth and fentanyl from one of the defendants — the first time for $10,000 and the second for $20,000.
In both instances, the agent was allegedly directed to drop off the money at another defendant’s mailbox, and then one of the leaders of the operation allegedly mailed a package to the agent that contained the drugs, which totaled nearly 10 lbs. of meth and nearly 2 lbs. of fentanyl.
The alleged provider of the drugs had a tracking device placed on their vehicle, which they later located and removed before relying on others to distribute drugs, the DOJ release said.
Fourteen of the suspects, ranging in age from 20 to 51 and who reside in San Diego County and Orange County, face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, distribution of controlled substances, and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
Two other suspects, aged 25 and 34, face a charge of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances.
