Narcotics Division
During 2008, the DA’s Narcotics Division continued its extraordinary cooperation with other law enforcement agencies to prosecute illegal drug-related offenses. Led by Division Chief Damon Mosler and Assistant Chief Robert Hickey, notable prosecutions during the year included:
Operation Sudden Fall
An investigation led by the Drug Enforcement Administration at the campus of San Diego State University generated the arrest of 125 individuals, some of whom were students dealing from their fraternity houses. Dozens of other students were arrested for possession of drugs on campus. The operation garnered international media coverage and focused the public’s attention on the problem of illegal drug use on college campuses.
Operations Bloodsucker and Lucky Strike
This two-part project took down drug-dealing components in one of San Diego’s largest street gangs. Phase one, led by Deputy District Attorney Kristine Grimm, took out major cocaine dealers. Phase two, led by Deputy District Attorneys Matt Williams and Elizabeth Furnari, used undercover agents to arrest more than 40 mid-level gang drug dealers. By focusing on the revenue-generating part of violent gangs, the operation succeeded in disrupting a major revenue stream that funded criminal activity.
The division continues to direct San Diego County’s JUDGE Program (Jurisdictions United for Drug and Gang Enforcement). The program consists of 14 law enforcement officers who target high-risk felons. In addition, the Narcotics Division runs the treatment side of drug cases in Drug Court and Proposition 36 Court, Federal and State Asset Forfeiture matters, and assists law enforcement with proactive projects in specific high-crime areas.
