East County News Service

July 29,2020 (Washington D.C.) – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is warning the public to be cautious of telephone calls by scammers posing as DEA employees attempting to defraud and extort victims.

The schemers call the victims, spoofing DEA phone numbers in order to appear legitimate, and threaten arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment for supposed violations of federal drug laws or involvement in drug-trafficking activities unless victims pay a “fine” over the phone, via wire transfer, or through a gift card.

The reported scam tactics continually change but often share many of the same characteristics. Callers use fake names and badge numbers or names of well-known DEA officials and may:

Annual report outlines strategic review of threats posed by drugs and drug traffickers

Source: Drug Enforcement Agency

February 3, 2020 (San Diego) -- Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) Acting Administrator Uttam Dhillon has announced publication of the 2019 National Drug Threat Assessment, which outlines threats posed to the United States by domestic and international drug trafficking and by abuse of illicit drugs.

“This year’s report illustrates a shifting drug landscape in the United States,” said Acting Administrator Dhillon. “We’re pleased that in 2018, drug overdose deaths declined over four percent overall, with even greater decreases – over 13 percent – in overdoses from controlled prescription opioids. Many challenges remain, however, including the spread of fentanyl and methamphetamine across the country. DEA and its partners will continue to work diligently to combat the drug trafficking organizations that bring these deadly substances into our country and endanger the American people.”

“Unlike other cities, San Diego faces unique challenges by being on the U.S.-Mexico border,” said San Diego Special Agent in Charge John W. Callery. “In 2018, the DEA San Diego seized record amounts of methamphetamine and deadly fentanyl. While our battle with the Mexican drug cartels persists, our agents are more committed than ever to stemming the flow of these deadly drugs entering our community and effecting the lives of our friends and families.”

By Miriam Raftery

August 11, 2016 (Washington D.C.) — The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency has turned down requests from governors ease federal restrictions on marijuana.  DEA director Chuck Rosenberg stated, “This decision is based on whether marijuana, as determined by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is a safe and effective medicine, and it’s not,” NPR reports.

East County News Service

December 11, 2015 (San Diego)—Over 88,213 marijuana plants were seized in San Diego County in 2015 from 98 separate grow locations, including 60 outdoor and 38 indoor sites with a value of $464,149. The announcement was made by the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Narcotics Task Force in San Diego County, along with the Sheriff’s Department and Health Advocates Rejecting Marijuana (HARM).   

 Of additional significance is the fact that 52,439 plants were removed from our public lands, including U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management properties. DEA/NTF officials estimate that it takes approximately 900 gallons of water to bring an outdoor marijuana plant to harvest, and 450 gallons for an indoor grown plant.  Based on those numbers, the marijuana seized this year used approximately 72 million gallons of water.

By Miriam Raftery

March 30, 2015 (Washington D.C.) - Two federal officials assigned to probe a black market in digital currency are accused of becoming black marketers themselves—allegedly stealing bitcoins from Silk Road, the company they were investigating.

November 29, 2012 (San Diego)--The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns the public about criminals posing as DEA special agents or other law enforcement personnel. This criminal activity continues despite significant public attention to the illicit scheme. DEA offices nationwide regularly get calls from citizens victimized by this extortion effort.

The criminals call the victims (who in most cases purchased drugs over the internet or by telephone) and identify themselves as DEA agents or law enforcement officials. The impersonators inform victims that purchasing drugs over the internet or by telephone is illegal, and that enforcement action will be taken against them unless they pay a fine.  

• Ramona wines beat French varieties in competition (UT San Diego)
• La Mesa Council deadlocked on PBID approval, will make decision in July (La Mesa Patch)   
• $1 billion hospital opens (Valley Roadrunner)
• DEA “accidentally” left forgotten suspect in holding cell for 5 days (UT San Diego)
• 6 La Mesa officers exonerated in fatal shooting of Andrew Yacko (La Mesa Patch)
• Lloyd Jr pleads guilty to manslaughter in Santee teen Carioscias’ death (Santee Patch)
• Lemon Grove School District cuts 30 jobs (UT San Diego)

• Voice of San Diego series:  Who is….

Bob Filner
Nathan Fletcher
Bonnie Dumanis
Carl DeMaio

• Other mayoral coverage:
• Filner releases pension plan (UT San Diego)
• Fletcher pledges to make cycling, transit a priority (Reader) 
• Fletcher-GOP feud still going strong: party sues candidate over $5,000 fundraiser (UT San Diego) 
• The Fletcher Flim-Flam (OB Rag) 
• The unfortunate trajectory of Carl DeMaio (Citybeat)
  

STATE

• San Diego takes water fight public (New York Times)
• UCAN reaches settlement to allow group to go on (UT San Diego)
• California rakes in healthcare grants (Saramento Bee)
• Environmentalists feeling burned by rush to build big solar projects (Los Angeles Times)
• Discovery of Indian artifacts complicates Genesis Solar project (Los Angeles Times)
• Calif. Public Utilities Commission: PG&E smart meter “opt out” fees suspended
• Diablo Canyon reactor gets some unwelcome guests  

Turn in Unused, Expired or Unwanted Medications

 

November 3, 2010 (San Diego) – The San Diego Tunnel Task Force uncovered a sophisticated 600-yard underground cross-border tunnel overnight, the U.S. Justice Department Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reveals. Approximately 30 tons of marijuana seized in the US and Mexico have been linked to the tunnel.

East County News Service
September 13, 2010 (Mt. Helix) – The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency is conducting an enforcement operation in the Mt. Helix area of La Mesa, East County Magazine has learned.

“We have served four search warrants and seized approximately 500 marijuana plants and two rifles,” Amy Roderick, public information officer with the DEA’s San Diego field division, informed ECM at 10:55 a.m.