Law enforcement Operation Reminiscent of the Acclaimed Television Show “The Wire”

The months long investigation resulted in massive seizures of cash, drugs, guns and dozens of arrests. The campaign also interrupted planned crimes and likely saved lives.

Operation “Westside Jenga” began in earnest in June of 2021, when San Bernardino Police Department (SBPD) and California Department of Justice (DOJ), Southern Special Operations Unit (SOU) approached the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office (SBCDAO) with a wiretap investigation targeting the Westside Verdugo criminal street gang, dubbed Operation Westside Jenga. The objective of the aforementioned investigation was to target violent crimes facilitated by members and associates of the Westside Verdugo criminal street gang.

During the course of this investigation the San Bernardino Police Department utilized court ordered electronic interception targeting nine members, associates of the Westside Verdugo criminal street gang. The Special Operations Unit conducted surveillance, executed search warrants, and provided wire room management throughout the investigation. The San Bernardino Police Department provided intelligence, conducted vehicle stops, executed search warrants, conducted surveillance, and supported the wire room.

The goal of the investigation was to disarm and dismantle the Westside Verdugo criminal street gang and stop the flow of money to the Mexican Mafia.  Using available technology, elements of the SBPD and SOU intercepted communication regarding criminal activities of the Westside Verdugo street gang members. Several arrests were made for felons in possession of firearms as well as multiple conspiracies to illegally distribute firearms among members of the Westside Verdugo.

Further, information obtained by these surveillance techniques helped solve two carjackings and prevented additional violent crimes through wiretap generated enforcement. One hundred and eighty felony arrests were made and four violent crimes were prevented during this investigation. Additionally, this investigation revealed ongoing criminal offenses being conducted by the Westside Verdugo criminal street gang for the benefit and by the direction of the Mexican Mafia.

Operation “Westside Jenga” concluded this week with raids executed throughout the region resulting in thirty one arrests and the seizures of a number of illegal weapons.