Grimy Times has learned that federal agents have arrested 18 suspected gang members and associates in connection with gun and drug-trafficking crimes in San Diego’s Skyline and Paradise Hills neighborhoods.
According to a yearlong investigation, the majority of arrests occurred in the Skyline and Paradise Hills neighborhoods, areas historically plagued by gang violence. Just days ago, a shooting at nearby Emerald Hills Park left one person dead on May 1, and two days later there was an officer-involved shooting a few miles away.
Over 1,500 grams of methamphetamine and 248 grams of heroin were seized as part of the investigation. Six firearms were also taken off the streets. Seven defendants are still at large.
The two indictments describe four different conspiracies with overlapping players, including individuals with ties to criminal street gangs, including Skyline, the Samoan Bloods, Kalaban, the Stateside Islanders, the Paradise Hills Locos, Logan Heights, Old Town National City, National City Southside Mob, Trust No Soul, and Lincoln Park.
“Methamphetamine is ravaging our communities, and it’s not just users who are suffering,” said U.S. Attorney Laura Duffy. “Residents in these meth- and gang-infested areas deserve to live in peace, free of gunfire, violence and fear.”
The indictments also reveal that some of the conspiracies involved the importation of methamphetamine and heroin from Mexico. Some of the defendants were felons in possession of firearms.
Eleven defendants were arraigned in federal court today and one yesterday before U.S. Magistrate Judge Nita L. Stormes. The charges against the defendants include conspiracy to import controlled substances, conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, importation of methamphetamine, and possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
The defendants charged in the indictments include Francisco Javier Ortiz-Luna, Javier Hernandez, Yareli Magnolia Noriega, Jasmine Eunique Ripp, Julio Alberto Ontiveros, Fil I Usini, Virgilio Soriano Villegas, Carl Delando Brandon, and Deandre Cook.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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