Hot Import Days

The latest string of tactics used by the San Diego Special Drag Net Unit turned Hot Import Days into a stomping ground. As the show ended, the crowds dispersed and vendors packed their equipment when a swarm of police cars and flat beds rolled though the front entrance-like something we would see during an illegal street drag raid. Showgoers and participants scattered, hoping to evade the police, but many were cited for vehicle violations. Other vehicles were loaded onto the flatbeds and towed away. While Sergeant Sloan and the Drag Net Unit devotes staff and time toward eliminating street racing around the San Diego area, attorney Mitchell "Mr. Ticket" Mehdy represents clients in cases dealing with traffic tickets and DMV hearings. 2NR hammers out the questions with both Sergeant Sloan and Mitchell Mehdy to find out what rights or penalties await you in the near future as an import car enthusiast.

2NR: What is the Drag Net Unit?

SS: The Drag Net Unit is a proactive undercover unit that addresses the street-racing problem. We assist agencies in San Diego county with enforcement, and we travel throughout the state for enforcement training.

2NR: When did the Drag Net Unit begin?

SS: September 1, 2001.

2NR: Was the unit developed to curb the street racing problem in San Diego county?

SS: That's the "Reader's Digest" version, yeah.

2NR: What's your version?

SS: Back in 1999, the director of the California Office of Traffic and Safety in San Diego met with a dozen officers and the chief of police in the San Diego Police Department and talked with us about the escalating problem of street racing in the California area. After our conversation, he realized San Diego's street racing problem was escalating far faster than anywhere else in the state. He proposed to pay the San Diego Police Department any amount of money to come up with a new and unique way of addressing this problem. The director understood that we, as law enforcement, have been trying to address this problem the same way, whether it be San Diego or Germany, for three decades-we just weren't getting anywhere. People were dying and the number of deaths began to increase; something had to be done. So the word was any amount of money to come up with a plan to remedy the situation as long as it didn't accrue any work-related overtime or deal with just strictly writing citations.

2NR: What is your role within the Drag Net Unit?

SS: I am the head supervisor.

2NR: Is the Drag Net Unit considered unique in California?