The San Diego Police Department led a multi-agency task force Tuesday in a coordinated sweep of suspects with ties to Mexican drug cartels. Operation Second Sole identified 43 suspects involved in narcotics and weapons trafficking, robberies, murder and money laundering over the last year.
According to Chula Vista Police Chief David Bejarano, all of the criminals were arrested in the South Bay.
“We’re taking violent individuals off the streets,” he said. “We should have a safer community. We’re being very aggressive,” he added. “There’s been a reduction in this kind of crime overall.”
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers and agents served several arrest and search warrants throughout San Diego County.
Some 14 suspects arrested Tuesday have significant criminal histories and were considered to be armed and dangerous.
The operation helped rid the county of serious threats to the safety and security of citizens.
“Cross-border violence and the trafficking of drugs and guns continue to be a problem, but Operation Second Sole shows that we can shut them down,” said San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.
The sweep focused on the South Bay, mostly in San Ysidro and Chula Vista.
The various agencies acquired a total of $811,000 in weapons and narcotics.
