8 Arrested in East County Social Media Drug Sales Investigation

SANTEE, CA: Eight people who allegedly "blatantly" advertised drugs for sale on social media were arrested after a month-long investigation in several East County communities, a sheriff's sergeant said Friday.

During the month of May, deputies from the San Diego County Sheriff Department's Lakeside Substation, with assistance from the Santee, Alpine and Ramona patrol station and the District Attorney's Office Narcotics Division, conducted an investigation that targeted people selling narcotics on social media, according to Sgt. Cliff Rinder.

"All of subjects targeted would blatantly advertise their illegal activities and their willingness to sell narcotics via social media," Rinder said.

Search warrants were recently served at four locations in Santee, Lakeside and Spring Valley, resulting in the arrest of seven men and one woman on suspicion of selling narcotics.

Rinder said Friday that the investigation is continuing and that more arrest warrants have been issued for additional suspects.

Anyone with information that may be helpful to the investigation was asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tipsters can remain anonymous and may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to a felony arrest.

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