34 dealers indicted by grand jury in ‘Operation Street Sweeper.’ Three additional people face federal charges.
SAN DIEGO — More than 30 people face charges in connection with operating open-air drug markets in San Diego’s East Village, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.
A law enforcement operation called “Street Sweeper” targeted street-level drug dealers in the neighborhood from September through October of 2025. The operation focused on specific hotspots, including 16th and 17th streets, K and C streets, Imperial Avenue and Broadway. The DA’s Office said undercover officers made drug buys very easily – there was no hesitation or secrecy.
“These defendants were drugs dealers of the most toxic drugs, fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine base,” said DA Summer Stephan. “They were using those drugs and dealing them openly in the East Village area.”
She said many people from the community have been calling the San Diego Police with complaints.
34 people were indicted on state charges. An additional three people face federal charges. Some of the defendants were arraigned Monday morning at the downtown courthouse. The judge ordered the media to tile their faces.
“It is not just about drug dealing, it is the violence and crime that come along with it, hand in hand,” said DA Stephan.
Despite the arrests, business owners like Jeffrey Brown of Izola Bakery told CBS 8 more needs to be done.
“I don’t want kids over there on the playground having to watch somebody jacking heroin right next to them, or even drinking, it’s just not a great example,” he said.
He said he puts in reports on the “Get it Done” app several times a day, and is in close contact with SDPD. He applauds their efforts to help, but said his employees need to be escorted to and from their cars due to the encampments and the drug use they see.