Meth, Heroin, Weapons Found In Elsinore Area 'Patrol Saturation'

LAKE ELSINORE, CA — Deputies arrested more than six dozen people, mostly for drug offenses, during a "patrol saturation" operation near Lake Elsinore, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported Tuesday.

The operation was held in the unincorporated area of Riverside County near the city, according to sheriff's officials. In total, authorities say they recovered methamphetamine, heroin, drug paraphernalia, a stolen vehicle, and various weapons.

"This saturation operation was in response to numerous requests by community members, and at the direction of Sheriff Bianco," the agency said in a news release. "The proactive enforcement focused on subjects suspected of being in possession of or under the influence of controlled substances. "

A total of 79 people were arrested in the daylong sweep. Images of many of those arrested can be viewed on the sheriff's website.

The nonprofit Social Workers Action Group offered assistance to 20 of the arrestees who told deputies they were homeless, according to the sheriff's department. They will have the opportunity to receive services to assist them with permanent housing, substance abuse education, financial education and job placement, according to the sheriff's department.

"Possession and use of illegal drugs are the underlying cause of many crimes affecting the citizens of Riverside County," a sheriff's statement says. "The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has a zero-tolerance policy for these offenses. If you suspect drug activity in your area, please contact your local sheriff's station."

— City News Service contributed to this report