KXO RADIO - Pre-Dawn Drug Raids Net 34

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Todays is : Thursday, 20 November 2008

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Written by Carroll Buckley
Wednesday, 08 October 2008
Federal, state and local law enforcement officers started early this morning serving warrants and raiding homes in the Imperial Valley. Operation Money Train kicked off in the pre-dawn hours today as 17 search warrants were served at residences in El Centro, Brawley,Imperial and Calexico. A total of 34 people were incarcerated as a result of the raids. Operation Money Train began in March of 2007 and involved a variety of investigative techniques. The investigation also resulted in the seizure of approximately $9 million in bulk currancy , 370 pounds of methamphetamine, 700 kilograms of cocaine , 1,600 pounds of marijuana and small quantities of heroin. An Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force , Operation Money Train targeted drug and narcotc transportation cells ooperating in Imperial County, California and Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico. The cells , with ties to Sinaloa cartels in Mexico , moved drugs north and cash south. The drugs and bulk money were generally hidden in specially constructed compartments in passenger vehicles. An estimated 100 law enforcement officers participated in the Imperial Valley as warrants were served at 18 locations. There were 10 arrests made in Mexico in connection with Operation Money Train as U.S. agencies co-ordinated the arrests with Mexcian Federal authorities. Three separate smuggling cells were targeted in todays operation. Along with the money and drugs , officers also seized weapons including an UZI submachine gun and a TEC9 automatic. The charges range from Conspiricy to Distribute Controlled Substances to Conspiricy to Launder Monetary Instruments and all warrants detail multiple counts. The warrants were served by officers representing Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Imperial Couty Sheriffs Office, Imperial County Probation Office, El Centro,Brawley,Imperial and Calexico Police Deaprtments, California Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement, Imperial County Narcotics Task Force, Bureau of Land Management, Federal Bureau of Investigation, United States Border Patrol, Customs and Border Protection and the Bureau of Alcohol,Tobacco and Firearms. The United States Attorneys Office and the Imperial County District Attorneys Office cooperated on the case. Those charged are expected to be prosecuted in Federal as well as State courts.The investigation is continuing.