The Orange County Regional Narcotics Suppression Program (RNSP) is a multi-agency task-force currently comprised of thirty-six investigators and four non-sworn support personnel from various local, state and federal agencies.  Presently the Orange County Sheriff’s Department has twenty sworn and four professional staff assigned to RNSP.  RNSP’s mission is to target, investigate and prosecute subjects involved in high-level (major) illicit drug trafficking or money laundering.  

RNSP is an initiative (task-force) in the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (LA-HIDTA).  The LA-HIDTA encompasses the four counties of Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino.  During the past five (5) years, RNSP has experienced an enormous increase in total seizures, arrests, and assets seized.  As a result, RNSP is a leading initiative in the LA-HIDTA. 

During 2007, RNSP maintained this high standard and continued to conduct significant investigations resulting in successful seizures and arrests.  RNSP’s investigators are the backbone of these investigations.  Their continued professionalism, commitment and experience are necessary for these types of intricate investigations. 

While “old fashion” police work drove RNSP, investigators were assisted by recent technological advances that have allowed RNSP to grow.  The procurement of additional equipment including cellular telephones, global positioning satellite tracking equipment, digital cameras, pole cameras that have internet transmitting capabilities, and renovation of the telephone intercept room (wire room) have greatly enhanced the program’s ability to impact the narcotic problem.

During 2007, RNSP expanded its enforcement capabilities with the purchase of a new airplane. The new plane, a Cessna 206T, which complements the existing Cessna 186, will enhance effectiveness, while enabling RNSP’s ability to readily assist other law enforcement agencies throughout the Southern California region.

The reach of RNSP is significant. During 2007, RNSP’s investigations resulted in large seizures of narcotics and assets in areas such as New York, Miami, Chicago, Detroit, Boston and Phoenix.  Locally, RNSP maintains a good working relationship with all federal, state and local agencies. 

The results of the hardworking members of RNSP this past year has been outstanding.  The resulting impact included the following:

The arrest of 109 violators
2602 pounds of marijuana seized
1300 pounds of cocaine seized
1 pound of heroin seized
74 pounds of methamphetamine seized

Proceeds from illegal narcotic trafficking totaling $13,036,964.00 were seized over the course of the year.