Federal prosecutors have indicted 42 alleged members and associates of San Diego County street gangs, centered on the Poway-based Varrio Hidden Hills gang, on charges of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl. The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the charges Friday, following a two-year investigation that authorities say stretched from Oceanside to the U.S.-Mexico border.

What did the investigation find?

According to federal authorities, the network was led by John Marquez, 49, a senior-ranking member of Varrio Hidden Hills known as "Guero." Prosecutors allege Marquez traveled to Mexico to meet suppliers, arranged for drugs to be moved across the border, and had people from various county gangs distribute them before sending profits back south.

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The FBI said Marquez had contacts believed to be connected to the Sinaloa Cartel, and investigators have described the gang as affiliated with the Mexican Mafia. Agents used court-authorized wiretaps during the probe.

How did the takedown unfold?

Hundreds of FBI agents and federal, state and local officers carried out raids Wednesday and Thursday, serving 10 search warrants in communities including Poway, Lemon Grove, San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, El Cajon, Oceanside, Escondido and Vista, with searches also reaching Riverside and Tulare.

During one arrest in Lemon Grove, a suspect fired at agents through a front door. No one was hurt, according to authorities, and the incident remains under investigation. Officials said 34 to 35 defendants were in custody as of Thursday, with several still being sought. Drugs, firearms, ammunition and cash were seized.

What does this mean for the region?

FBI Special Agent in Charge Mark Remily said the case showed how far such networks reach, noting that "these drug trafficking networks have no bounds." County Undersheriff Rich Williams said what began as an effort to take down a local street gang uncovered a larger smuggling operation. Residents in affected neighborhoods described seeing armored vehicles and armed agents on their streets.

FAQ

Who is accused of leading the operation?

Federal authorities identify John Marquez, a senior member of the Varrio Hidden Hills gang in Poway, as the alleged organizer of the cross-border distribution network.

How many suspects remain at large?

Reports vary: authorities said seven or eight defendants were still being sought as of Thursday afternoon, while 34 to 35 were in custody.