News from DEA, Domestic Field Divisions, San Diego Field Division

SEP 24--On September 24, 2004 members of the DEA San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force (NTF) and the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Narcotics Team conducted an investigation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 171 pounds of cocaine, and the arrest of 3 individuals in San Diego, California.

SEP 18--On September 17, 2004 members of the DEA San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force (NTF), working in cooperation with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) Fugitive Task Force, the Carlsbad Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office culminated an investigation with the arrest of Ismael Fernandez, a fugitive wanted on 2 separate felony burglary warrants, during the execution of a search warrant at 57 Walnut Drive, Chula Vista, California. Seized at the residence was a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol, approximately 1500 pounds of marijuana, and approximately 1 ounce of “ice” methamphetamine. Also arrested at the residence was Lucero Verduzco-Rodriguez.

AUG 9--On August 9, 2004, agents of the DEA San Diego Field Division, working in cooperation with the National City Police Department, the San Diego County Integrated Narcotic Task Force (NTF), and the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, executed a search warrant at the residence at 17348 Lyons Valley Road in Jamul, California discovering a large-scale and sophisticated indoor hydroponic marijuana cultivation operation among various buildings on the property.

Approximately 2,000 marijuana plants, 3 large diesel-powered generators which supplied electricity to the grow sites, and all of the hydroponics and artificial lighting equipment were seized from the largest indoor marijuana grow site discovered this year in San Diego County.

JUN 7--DEA Administrator Karen P. Tandy, along with U.S. Marshal Service Director Benigno Reyna and FBI Acting Assistant Director, Criminal Investigative Division, Joseph R. Lewis, today announced the arrests of two key members of the ARELLANO-FELIX criminal organization (AFO).

Rewards Offered for Members
Of Arellano-Felix Organization
Information sought on dangerous Mexican trafficking ring

SEP 10--In July 2003, members of the Arellano-Felix Organization (AFO) were indicted for conducting the affairs of an illegal enterprise through a pattern of racketeering activity (RICO), conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and marijuana, and money laundering. After a request by the Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Department of State issued the following rewards for the defendants charged in the indictment who remain at large:

Javier Arellano-Felix	up to $5 million
Eduardo Arellano-Felix	up to $5 million
Manuel Aguirre-Galindo	up to $2 million
Efrain Perez	up to $2 million
Jorge Aureliano-Felix	up to $2 million
Gustavo Rivera-Martinez	up to $2 million
Gilberto Higuera-Guerrero	up to $2 million

Anyone with information on AFO fugitives should call 1-800-720-7775 from the United States, 011-858-277-4215 from Mexico, or email to afotips@k-online.com

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Proposition 215 supposedly legalizes marijuana for medical use only. However, the law has created so much confusion about what is and what is not "medical" marijuana that it has opened loopholes allowing anyone to grow, traffic, and smoke marijuana with virtual impunity.