Two Chula Vista men have been indicted by a federal grand jury on a charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine as part of a larger drug ring involving 53 others in North County.
A warrant for the arrest of Brhandon Puga, 20, was issued by a judge following the unsealing of 10 indictments that alleged heroin and methamphetamine distribution in Oceanside, Vista, Escondido, and elsewhere.
Matthew Ortiz, 35, was among those arrested and he posted $20,000 bond, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty before a U.S. District Court judge and is expected to return to court April 17.
Puga and Ortiz were the only South Bay residents arrested or charged among the 55 charged on March 1 in the case known as “Operation No Worries.” Forty-six were arrested following a yearlong investigation by the North County Regional Gang Task Force. It involved months of federal wiretaps, dozens of undercover drug and buy guys and extensive surveillance.
Twenty-five firearms and assault rifles were seized along with heroin and methamphetamine. Some of the 55 defendants are documented gang members, according to the U.S. Attorney’s office. There are five fugitives in the group.
