'Campaign Eastern Front' To Continue in East County Indefinitely: Border Patrol

East San Diego County, CA — Campaign Eastern Front, the current enforcement operation of the U.S. Border Patrol, San Diego Sector, has had a strong four-week outcome, affecting criminal smuggling organizations operating in East County.

From June 12 through July 9, Border Patrol agents arrested 244 individuals suspected of illegally entering the country along the southeastern-most parts of San Diego County. Agents also arrested 28 individuals suspected of human smuggling, as well as two people who were found to have outstanding felony warrants and were later turned over to other law enforcement agencies.

Narcotics seizures during the campaign currently total 16.1 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and 1.16 kilograms of cocaine. The seizures had an estimated street value of $171,840.

In addition to ramped-up enforcement, federal prosecutorial efforts have been a critical component of Campaign Eastern Front. These efforts have been focused on the transnational criminal element along the border between the rural Baja California locations of Jardines del Rincon and Jacume.

Richard Barlow, Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector, said, “We will maintain this intensive enforcement strategy to further secure the border in East County, while ensuring that consequences are brought to those engaged in cross-border smuggling activity.”

Campaign Eastern Front will continue in East County indefinitely.

To prevent the illicit smuggling of humans, drugs, and other contraband, the U.S. Border Patrol maintains a high level of vigilance on corridors of egress away from our Nation’s borders. To report suspicious activity to the U.S.Border Patrol, contact San Diego Sector at 619-498-9900.

— News release submitted by U.S. Border Patrol San Diego Sector

(Photo/U.S. Customs and Border Protection via Flickr)