More than 1200 people have been arrested on drug-related charges in a 44-month-long, multi-agency sting called “Project Coronado.” The operation also resulted in the seizure of around 11.7 tons of drugs and $32.8 million USD. In the last two days alone, over 300 arrests were made –each of these 300 recent arrestees are believed to be somehow involved with the Mexican La Familia drug ring. This drug cartel is said to be the leading importer of methamphetamine into the United States. Investigators say the outcome of the arrests and seizures is certain to deal a heavy blow to one of the strongest cartels in Mexico.
“This unprecedented, coordinated U.S. law enforcement action — the largest ever undertaken against a Mexican drug cartel — has dealt a significant blow to La Familia’s supply chain of illegal drugs, weapons and cash flowing between Mexico and the United States,” said Attorney General Holder. “We will not allow these cartels to operate unfettered in our country, and with the
increases in cooperation between U.S. and Mexican authorities in recent years, we are taking the fight to our adversaries. We will continue to stand strong with our partners in Mexico as we work to disrupt and dismantle cartel operations on both sides of the border.”
More than 3,000 federal, state and local officers, spread throughout 19 U.S. states, were involved with the two-day take down. Investigators also managed to secure over 725 pounds of methamphetamine, 60 kilograms of cocaine, 950 pounds of marijuana, 140 weapons and 100 vehicles.
While this is great news for the U.S. government and those fighting the war on drugs, it may be devastating to anyone that has been wrongly accused in the sweep. These investigations are highly efficient in quantity, but because they operate in such large scale, mistakes can often be made and it is not uncommon for someone to be wrongly arrested in these operations. Anyone mistakenly arrested in Southern California is urged to contact a San Diego criminal attorney from The Law Offices of James J. Warner, as soon as possible.
To read more about Project Coronado, see the article on Reuters. Image Via MajoraCarterGroup [Flickr]
Even as the state considers legalizing marijuana in an effort to increase tax revenues, the San Diego police have sent out a strong message that illegal drug-related activities will not be tolerated in the meantime. Last week, fourteen marijuana dispensaries were raided. A total of thirty one people were arrested, $700,000 in cash was seized, as well as six guns.