Joint Operation Targets Narcotics Trade: Arrests Made in Brawley and Calipatria

Above: Press Release Header | Courtesy of ICSO

In a coordinated effort to curb the illegal purchase, sales, and distribution of narcotics, a joint operation involving the Imperial County Sheriff’s Border Crimes Suppression Team, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Brawley Police Investigations Team (BIT), and the Imperial County Narcotic Task Force (NTF) came to fruition on Thursday, August 31, 2023. The operation culminated in the execution of three search warrants at residences in the City of Brawley and the City of Calipatria, following a month-long investigative effort.

The targeted residences included addresses on the 200 block of G Street and the 700 block of C Street in Brawley, as well as an apartment on the 600 block of East Bonita Street in Calipatria. These coordinated actions were geared toward dismantling the nexus of illicit narcotics trade within the region.

As the search warrants were executed, officers seized a cache of evidence, including firearms, illicit prescription narcotics, US currency, illegal high-capacity gun magazines, and ammunition from the three locations.

The operation yielded three arrests. Elijah Roberts, 23, a resident of Brawley, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of a controlled substance for sales, and possession of a ghost gun and high-capacity magazines. Bryson Allen, 25, also from Brawley, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance for sales, and possession of marijuana for sales. Latrell Thomas, 25, a Calipatria resident, was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm and possession of a controlled substance. All three individuals were booked into the Imperial County Jail.

The operation’s success owes much to the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, Brawley Police Department, and the Imperial County Narcotic Task Force. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office maintains an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the well-being of the community by proactively targeting illegal narcotics manufacturing, transportation, and sales.

The diligent actions of these law enforcement units send a strong message that illegal narcotics trade will not be tolerated in our communities. The effort to maintain safer streets and protect residents from the scourge of narcotics continues with resolute determination.