FBI Seeks Public’s Assistance to Locate and Arrest “Operation Eclipse” Fugitive

The FBI and the East County Regional Gang Task Force are seeking the public’s assistance to locate and arrest Manuel Vera, age 37, of Chula Vista, California. Vera is wanted on federal drug charges.

On Tuesday, November 9, 2010, United States Attorney Laura E. Duffy announced that almost two dozen defendants were in custody on methamphetamine conspiracy charges after the East County Regional Gang Task Force searched locations throughout east San Diego County. The arrests were associated with the unsealing of two indictments.

The indictments and arrests were part of a year-long investigation known as “Operation Eclipse.” This Operation focused on long-term methamphetamine distribution rings operating in east San Diego County. 

The East County Regional Gang Task Force is charged with protecting the public from the criminal and violent acts of street gangs in the East County area. The task force is composed of the FBI, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, the San Diego District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego Probation Department, the Department of Corrections - State Parole, the El Cajon Police Department, the La Mesa Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 

As of Tuesday, November 10, 2010, 21 defendants were in custody, more than $45,000 in drug proceeds recovered, quantities of methamphetamine and five handguns were taken off the streets as a result of “Operation Eclipse.”

Vera is described as follows:

Sex: Male

Race: Hispanic

Hair: Black

Eyes: Brown

Height: 5’6” tall

Weight: 170 lbs.

Anyone with information concerning Manuel Vera is asked to contact the FBI at telephone number (858) 565-1255 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.