May 20, 2025 – San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials report that they hosted a major interdiction operation on Highway 40. This initiative aimed to curb the trafficking of illegal narcotics and enhance public safety. The operation took place from Tuesday, May 13, to Thursday, May 15, 2025. It involved the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Vehicle Interdiction Pipeline Enforcement Resource (VIPER) Team, which worked collaboratively to intercept and dismantle drug trafficking activities along this critical thoroughfare. The team is comprised of deputies from Riverside County, Orange County, Customs and Border Protection, and San Bernardino County. 

The operation was initiated in response to an increase in reports of drug-related incidents in the area, along with intelligence gathered from local sources. Deputies set up strategic checkpoints and conducted thorough inspections of vehicles traveling on the highway, resulting in over 150 traffic stops.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is focused on enhancing highway safety and reducing illegal activities. This operation exemplifies our proactive approach to combating drug trafficking while fostering a safer environment for our community.

In addition to seizing narcotics, the operation also addressed several traffic violations, reinforcing the importance of adhering to road rules.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department reminds the public that combating drug trafficking requires a collective effort. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious activity they encounter on the highways or neighborhoods to local law enforcement.

Similar future operations are planned in the southern California area.

DATE: May 15, 2025

INCIDENT: Multi-agency Interdiction Operation

LOCATION(S): Needles, CA

Refer: Public Affairs Division 

Station: Gangs/Narcotics Division

Phone No. (909) 387-3700

Source: San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department