Two dozen arrested in Ramona drug sweep

SAN DIEGO (CNS) – Nearly two dozen people were arrested Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into trafficking of methamphetamine and other illicit drugs in Ramona, authorities reported.

The probe, dubbed “Operation High Grade,” began in January and has led to the seizure of various narcotics, along with production paraphernalia and weapons, sheriff’s Lt. Rich Williams said.

More than 100 deputies and officers from other agencies took the following suspects into custody while serving eight search warrants in various parts of the county this morning: Yakub Abowath, 44, of Carlsbad; La Mesa residents Ashley Kahir, 32, and Raymond Mabee, 37; and Ramona residents Shannon Alduenda, 41, Meagan Barrett, 46, Brad Bennett, 46, Chris Blackwood, 35, Justin Chandler, 32, Brian Cruz, 23, Alyssa Desprez, 39, Chris Doneski, 28, Larry Julio, 44, Thomas Lewis, 18, Marc Mason, 49, Michael Morgart, 47, Donald Pettey, 47, Lori Price, 45, Belinda Roath, 54, Gina Scruggs, 44, Mark Short, 54, Ronald Sorric, 55, Suzanne Vitale, 53, and Shane Wilson, 39.

During the sweep, the personnel confiscated 72.2 grams of methamphetamine; five pounds of marijuana; 147 cannabis plants and cultivation equipment; one gram of psilocybin mushrooms; 50 methylphenidate pills; $500 in cash; and scales and packaging material related to narcotic sales.

In August and September, the following Ramona residents were arrested in the case: Alan Castro, 20, Chris Doneski, 28, Justine Glenn, 19, Anthony Gordon, 18, Jeffrey Hodson, 48, and Gina Scruggs, 44.

The operation also has resulted in seizures of heroin, ecstasy, LSD, alprazolam and 241 guns, Williams said.

Some of the 29 suspects were arrested on outstanding warrants.

Assisting sheriff’s personnel in the investigation were agents with the Narcotics Task Force, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.