27 charged with drug smuggling in Operation Burrito Grande and Operation Imperial Strikes Back

Twenty-seven persons have been indicted in alleged drug smuggling rings in Imperial County tied to Mexican drug cartels, federal prosecutors announced today.

The indictments are the result of two undercover investigations: Operation Burrito Grande and Operation Imperial Strikes Back. Among the charges are money-laundering and conspiracy to smuggle and distribute methamphetamine.

The smugglers allegedly brought drugs through the Mexicali Valley into Imperial County at Calexico for shipment to the illicit drug markets in San Diego, Orange and Los Angeles counties. Some $1.9 million in cash was seized, officials said.

Of the 27, 17 are in custody, officials said.

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego

Comments

[John]

ENOUGH!!

The War on Drugs is an ongoing failure.

I am not for all drugs being great, but the current model ensures that CRIMINALS are in control.

Sure this bust looks good on paper, but the War On Drugs is more of a danger to citizens than the drugs themselves... but only slightly.

With LEGALIZATION and REGULATION, we could control the distribution of these drugs better, as is now evidenced in control of Alcohol and Cigarettes, and the potential for keeping them out of the hands of kids.

Also, with REGULATION, a consumer could have access to drugs that are purer and safer, as well as buy them from vendors that are safer (bar the liquor store with the customers on the outside of the bullet proof merchant cage)

With TAXATION, we could stop the wasteful spending, and use the SAVINGS and REVENUE to fund Drug Treatment programs and HONEST drug education. NO MORE LIES. No one trusts the Government anymore, and the LIES in the name of the War On Drugs are part of the problem.

Let's truly try to help people by educating them and allowing them the same safety standards we see for other things like lead paint in toys, etc.

Incarcerating someone and ruining their lives really, only pushes people to more alcohol, drugs and crime and public services (other than jail and probation) and keeps them away from good jobs.

STOP THE INSANITY - Legalize, Regulate, Tax, Educate, Treat.

[Marco]

Burrito Grande? .. wonder if they get fries with that

[TYC]

I vote to completely legalize cannabis for all adults.