Crime & Safety

Leader of East County Meth Distribution Ring Sentenced to 14 Years In Federal Prison

The meth ring operated in Spring Valley, El Cajon, Santee and National City.

A man who was the head of a methamphetamine distribution ring, which operated in parts of East County including Spring Valley and Santee, was sentenced today to 14 years in federal prison.

Luis Carlos Barragan, also known as "Tiny," pled guilty in February to charges of drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

The case was part of a comprehensive investigation called "Operation Eclipse," a yearlong endeavor headed by the East County Regional Gang Task Force.

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According to court documents, several members of the distribution ring were members of the El Cajon Hoodlums street gang, including Barragan, including Alexander Espinosa, the founder of the gang, who is scheduled to be sentenced in Sept. 30.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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