By Cpl. Chelsea Flowers Anderson
Headquarters Marine Corps
Authorities confiscated more than one million dollars worth of contraband.
The Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated 64 individuals including active-duty and former Marines and sailors, and confiscated one million dollars worth of contraband in connection with an organized crime ring in the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., area as part of Operation “Perfect Storm” June 4. Among the items confiscated were enhanced small arms protective insert plates, tactical vests, M-40 gas masks, 10,000 rounds of 5.56 millimeter ammunition and night vision goggles, in addition to drugs and other contraband. (Photo by Sgt. Tyler Main)
FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. -- The Naval Criminal Investigative Service investigated 64 individuals, some of whom are active-duty and former Marines and sailors, and confiscated one million dollars worth of contraband in connection with an organized crime ring in the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., area as part of Operation “Perfect Storm” June 4.
The operation is the result of an organized theft and narcotics undercover operation that began Aug. 8, 2012. The inter-agency operation included NCIS, the San Diego County Regional Automobile Theft Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Currently, there have been 64 grand jury indictments, two federal arrest warrants, and three Uniform Code of Military Justice apprehensions. Seven Marines, one sailor and seven Marine veterans have been implicated, ranging in rank from lance corporal to gunnery sergeant.
Items confiscated in the raid include cocaine, methamphetamines, ecstasy, enhanced small arms protective insert plates, tactical vests, M-40 gas masks, tool kits, high capacity magazines, 10,000 rounds of 5.56 millimeter ammunition, thermal monoculars, night vision goggles, semi-automatic rifles, shotguns, pistols, U.S. currency, and 92 stolen automobiles. The street value of the items is estimated at one million dollars.
“The results of Operation Perfect Storm underscore the power of sharing law enforcement’s resources and expertise in the ongoing battle against thievery and other street crimes that threaten the safety of people from all walks of life in our communities,” said Derek Benner, special agent in charge for HSI in San Diego.