California Drug Busts: Massive Seizures and Major Arrests Across the State

Added: 2026-05-05

[00:00:00]after midnight Thursday morning. People in the area said in recent weeks it has become a hub of drug activity. Kenny, who frequenced the area, said he was out and saw officers gathering shortly before the bust. The sting targeted drug sale hotspots around 16th and 17th Streets, K, and C streets, as well as areas along Imperial Avenue and Broadway. Investigators documented 34 people openly selling >> various narcotics enforcement unit says it helped conduct one of the largest domestic meth seizures in US history.

[00:00:31]>> Six two major drug busts in our area.

[00:00:34]Customs and border protection >> have been charged in connection with a major bust and authorities say the drugs had a street value of $55 million.

[00:00:42]>> Huge drug busts in the central valley.

[00:00:44]Some of the drugs hidden in carne asada beef. 47 alleged members of the Sinaloa cartel indicted.

[00:00:52]>> At about 10:30 p.m., residents started seeing a swarm of police lights around Jefferson Square Park near the city's Japan town. Dozens of San Francisco police and sheriff's deputies moved in and began making arrests.

[00:01:03]>> On Wednesday, federal, state, and local law enforcement serves 20 search warrants in Yuba, Taha, Sutter, and B counties. The task force says they took down two drug labs, found and seized guns, ammunition, and drugs. California has become one of the biggest battlegrounds in the fight against large-scale drug trafficking with authorities uncovering massive shipments, dismantling organized networks, and making dozens of arrests across the state from Northern California seizures of more than 2,000, even 2,700 lb of myth to a 55 million finty bust in Los Angeles. These cases revealed just how widespread and sophisticated drug operations have become. Investigators also uncovered trafficking rings exchanging drugs for EDT benefits in Selenas, airport smuggling attempts intercepted in Chicago, and multi-county networks moving narcotics across California and beyond. In San Diego, dozens were indicted in undercover operations targeting open air drug markets, while San Francisco raids [music] led to 41 arrests and nearly 90 suspects taken into custody during enforcement sweeps.

[00:02:14]Authorities also seize meth hidden in food shipments, intercepted drugs during traffic stops, and dismantled networks tied to cartel link distribution systems. In this video, we break down these major California drug busts, the arrest behind them, and how law enforcement says these operations exposed the scale of drug trafficking across the Golden State.

[00:02:38]>> Through months of investigation, officers uncovered what they call a sophisticated operation led by a married couple, Matthew and Karen Loggins of Selenas, who distributed a large amount of drugs throughout the city of Selenas in the Chinatown area. They profited on the most vulnerable residents and accepted EBT cards in exchange for drugs. Drugs were being transported from Southern California to Selenas. On October 27th of this year, the police task force conducted three search warrants, all connected to the couple who were then taken into custody without incident. Many items were found and taken from dozens of pounds of drugs, purses, vehicles, firearms, jewelry, and even over $400,000 in cash. Monterey County DA's office started working with law enforcement back in June of this year and reviewed 45 search warrants in the investigation.

[00:03:27]>> The first case unfolded in Selenas, California, where a husband and wife were charged in a drug trafficking operation that allegedly exchanged narcotics for electronic benefit transfer, EBT, benefits. Investigators reported that the couple operated a scheme in which customers would use food assistance cards to purchase items at inflated [music] prices while secretly receiving drugs in return. Authorities described the operation as a calculated abuse of public assistance programs intended for lowincome families. Law enforcement officials executed search warrants and uncovered narcotics, financial records, and digital communications that allegedly tied the couple to a wider distribution network.

[00:04:12]Prosecutors emphasized that the case demonstrated how drug trafficking organizations sometimes exploit government benefit systems to move drugs while appearing legitimate.

[00:04:22]>> Well, good evening again, Sheree. Yes.

[00:04:24]Among those arrested and now charged with drug possession, a Californiabased rapper known as Gechi Gotti. His real name is Marcus Fandroy. And police say he was driving down I75 last week in Westchester when police made this stop.

[00:04:44]The initial traffic stop on I75 in Westchester was short-lived.

[00:04:52]The suspects weren't getting far.

[00:04:54]>> Yeah, it did hit sticks. It did hit sticks.

[00:04:56]>> One exit south near the streets of Westchester.

[00:05:00]>> Four men bailed.

[00:05:02]>> Get down on THE GROUND RIGHT NOW. GET DOWN ON THE GROUND.

[00:05:06]>> But police caught up.

[00:05:07]>> I will shoot you. Get your hands in the air.

[00:05:11]>> Westchester police arrested four men from California.

[00:05:14]>> Why are you arresting? Cuz your name's Anthony Ellison. You've been breaking intoarmacies all over the place. and searched the rental car they were in.

[00:05:21]Detectives say they had their eyes on the men since one of them landed at CVG last week. Tyrus Crew, Anthony Ellison, Laquan Miller, and Marcus Fantroy, also known as rapper Geigi Gotti, all now face drug possession charges. Detective Kevin Burgerer said in court today, "These men quote do this quite often."

[00:05:42]In Westchester, police arrested a California rapper following a string of pharmacy thefts that raised concerns among investigators. Authorities said the suspect allegedly targeted multiplearmacies.

[00:05:55]Stealing controlled substances such as prescription opioids and other regulated medications. Surveillance footage and witness statements helped investigators track the suspect's movements across different locations.

[00:06:07]>> Eight people are in federal and state custody. The investigation targeted an alleged drug trafficking network operating across multiple counties. More than 100 officers executed high-risk search warrants at residential properties in Valley Springs, Turlock, and Modesto.

[00:06:26]>> A major operation in Northern California resulted in the arrest of eight individuals after authorities seized more than 2,000 pounds of meth.

[00:06:34]Officials said the investigation targeted a multi-county trafficking network operating across Northern California.

[00:06:41]>> This is video of a meth lab they found in Valley Springs. They say the operation also included locations in Turlock and Modesto. They arrested eight people, including one on the National Terrorist Watch list, and they seized more than 2700 pounds of meth that had a street value of $40 million. Another massive bust occurred just days later when authorities seized approximately 2,700 lb of meth in Northern California.

[00:07:08]Investigators also discovered nearly 2,000 merry plants, more than 100 lb of processed Mary and a dozen firearms.

[00:07:17]>> Southern California couple was caught with almost 500,000 lethal doses of during a traffic stop near the Oregon border. A Syscue County deputy pulled over a car for a mechanical violation.

[00:07:27]During the stop, officers noticed things weren't quite right and they searched the car. They found about 10 lbs of and 2.2 lbs of fentinel. A 44 year old woman and a 32year-old man from Early Mart were arrested during a traffic stop in Northern California. Police arrested a woman after discovering over 150 lbs of meth in her vehicle. Investigators also uncovered additional narcotics, including authorities stated the drugs were likely intended for distribution across multiple regions.

[00:07:58]>> Say that they've dismantled a major drug trafficking operation that was working out of Sacramento, Stannis Loss, and Calaveris counties. Take a look. The sheriff's office says that roughly 2700 pounds of meth were seized. That's more than a ton. The search warrants were served at homes in Valley Springs, Turlock, and Modesto. 8.

[00:08:17]>> Authorities dismantled another large trafficking ring tied to three Northern California counties. Investigators seized 2,700 lb of meth, Mary plants, processed Mary and firearms. Multiple agencies coordinated search warrants and arrests across several cities. Officials described the operation as a major blow to organized drug distribution networks operating in Northern California. New at four, two women are facing serious charges after being accused of trying to smuggle cocaine in their luggage.

[00:08:51]Chicago's Drug Enforcement Administration says that these women were traveling from California to O'Hare when they were flagged. Agents found roughly 48 pounds of cocaine between their two suitcases.

[00:09:04]>> Two California women were charged with drug trafficking after authorities discovered cocaine at Chicago O'Hare International Airport. Investigators said the suspects attempted to transport kilograms of Coca-Cola through air travel. Federal agents intercepted the drugs during screening procedures.

[00:09:22]Authorities noted that airports remain key transit points for drug trafficking organizations. [music] >> The arrest of three accused fentinel traffickers with ties to the Mexican cartel. Prosecutors say investigators seized more than 50 pounds of fentinel and Downey tied to the trio on January 22nd. This is our biggest bust yet.

[00:09:42]>> In Los Angeles, authorities arrested three individuals accused of trafficking Finny in a 55 million drug bust.

[00:09:50]Investigators seized millions of lethal doses of Fendi. Along with H and Meth, officials described the seizure as a significant effort to combat the Fendy crisis. Lie enforcement emphasized the deadly nature of Finty and the importance of disrupting distribution networks. No. Now, the nickname of this operation, Operation Hotline Bling, that actually began late last year in Operation Hotline Bling did uncover Riverside County Sheriff turned Sinaloa drug smuggler. 25-year-old Jorge Argua Roachcha. Police finding four trash bags in his trunk stuffed with more than 100 pounds of fentinel. Roachcha is a US citizen and a California native who have been employed by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department since 2019. On May 5th, 2024, Operation Hotline Bling led to the arrest of 15 individuals, [music] including a Riverside County Sheriff's Deputy, Jorge Oshageroka, a 25-year-old Riverside County deputy, in connection with a largecale drug trafficking investigation. Authorities reported the seizure of approximately 16 million worth of drugs, including nearly 200 lb of meth, 100 pounds of Fendy tablets, and over 1 kg of Coca-Cola.

[00:11:07]>> After noticing a rise in drug activity on the west side of San Jose, patrol officers say they spent a month trying to track down those involved. Officers searched a home on Rabbino Drive and then arrested 24y old Omar Box and 19year-old Lana Santos, both from San Jose. San Jose confiscated live tonight in San Jose. Lica, thank you for that.

[00:11:31]>> On July 25th, 2023, San Jose police arrested two individuals after seizing nearly 1 million worth of street drugs. The operation [music] also uncovered illegal firearms and significant amounts of cash linked to narcotics activity. Officials stated that the seized drugs were associated with multiple overdose deaths in the area, underscoring the public health risk posed by the trafficking operation.

[00:11:57]Just this past Thursday, just this past Thursday at the OT May support of entry, our team supported seizure of, get this, 3,389 pounds of meth in one seizure. It's almost $30 million of street value of that narcotic. On February 2nd, 2026, Gavin Newsome announced major Fenty and narcotic seizures during a press conference in San Diego, highlighting California's ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling. State officials reported that law enforcement agencies had confiscated large quantities of Fenty and other illegal drugs as part of coordinated operations targeting trafficking networks. who announced the arrest of four men from our area who authorities say trafficked at least $5 million worth of from California to Pennsylvania. Christian Garwood, Khik Kemp, Joseph Burn, and his brother Matthew Burn have all been charged in the operation along with two other suspects who reside in California.

[00:12:57]According to authorities, the drugs were shipped through the mail and eventually detected by US Customs and Border Protection agents. Through the course of an investigation, Matthew Burn was identified as the alleged ring leader.

[00:13:08]Investigators say he would travel to California monthly to buy the narcotics and then ship them to residences in Philadelphia, Levittown, and Flower Township.

[00:13:17]>> On August 7th, 2024, four suspects were arrested in connection with trafficking approximately 5 million worth of narcotics from California to Pennsylvania. Law enforcement officials stated that the suspects coordinated shipments in distribution across state lines, moving drugs. Authorities conducted surveillance, intercepted communications, and executed arrests in multiple locations.

[00:13:42]>> The Sting targeted drug sale hotspots around 16th and 17th Streets, K, and C Streets, as well as areas along Imperial Avenue and Broadway. Investigators documented 34 people openly selling.

[00:13:55]Officials say the operation started after growing community complaints over open drug use and public safety. On February 10th, 2026, authorities announced that 34 individuals were indicted following an undercover operation targeting open air drug sales in San Diego. Investigators conducted surveillance and undercover purchases to identify suspects involved in street level drug distribution. After gathering sufficient evidence, law enforcement officials carried out coordinated arrests to dismantle the network. Authorities reported that the operation focused on reducing visible drug activity and improving public safety in affected neighborhoods, >> finding in just one of the busts 30,000 blue pills, drugs smuggled in Easter eggs, finding more than 700 lb of meth, plus significant quantities of cocaine and heroin. On June 6th, 2024, federal authorities indicted 47 individuals in a major California-based drug trafficking investigation with alleged ties to the Sinaloa cartel. Among those arrested was a [music] US Border Patrol agent accused of participating in meth trafficking.

[00:15:05]Investigators reported that the organization operated a largecale distribution network, moving narcotics across multiple regions. Charles Hernandez is a content creator who interviews people on the street in West Hollywood.

[00:15:19]>> I go out there every Friday, Saturday to do street style interviews.

[00:15:22]>> But this weekend, things didn't go as planned.

[00:15:25]>> They have just been going into the clubs and grabbing people.

[00:15:29]>> Charles shared video on his Instagram that shows LA County Sheriff's deputies, some in plain clothes, detaining several people outside the abbey around 12:30 Saturday morning. We blurred the faces of those detained as it's not known who was ultimately arrested.

[00:15:44]>> I just see all these agents rushing around uh people screaming. It it was it was very chaotic.

[00:15:51]>> Charles was among many who thought the deputies were ICE.

[00:15:55]>> They're not claiming to be ICE, but these are unmarked vehicles.

[00:15:59]>> But the LA County Sheriff's Department said federal agents were not involved.

[00:16:03]On October 20th, 2025, law enforcement officials conducted a drug enforcement operation in West Hollywood that resulted in multiple arrests. Video from the scene showed officers detaining several individuals as part of the investigation into suspected drug activity. The operations sparked concern among community members with some fearing that immigration agents were involved in detentions.

[00:16:28]However, authorities clarified that the enforcement action was focused on drugrelated offenses rather than immigration enforcement.

[00:16:36]>> New at six, two major drug busts in our area. Customs and Border Protection agents seized nearly 150 pounds of during a traffic stop on the five freeway near the San Clementi Border Patrol checkpoint. The drugs had a little uh street value of over a million dollar. On February 25th, 2025, authorities in Southern California announced two separate drug busts that [music] resulted in the seizure of more than 1 million worth of Coca-Cola. Law enforcement officials reported that the operations were conducted as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt drug trafficking across the region. During the investigations, officers identified suspicious activity leading to vehicle stops and searches that uncovered large quantities of cocaine intended for distribution.

[00:17:24][music] >> We have charges all the way from markets themselves.

[00:17:30]>> San Francisco police and sheriff's deputies swept into the intersection of Vaness and Market after midnight Thursday morning. People in the area said in recent weeks it has become a hub of drug activity. Kenny, who frequenced the area, said he was out and saw officers gathering shortly before the bust.

[00:17:48]>> I'm walking through hing my boyfriends and next thing I know I like I look behind me, I hear sirens. I looked back and there's like five cop cars pulling into that area.

[00:17:57]>> Officers say by the time they were done, they'd arrested 41 people on a variety of drugrelated charges. On March 20, 2025, San Francisco authorities conducted a largecale enforcement operation targeting open air drug markets, resulting in 41 arrests. Officers from the San Francisco Police Department coordinated with other local agencies to identify individuals suspected of drug sales and related criminal activity.

[00:18:24]During the raid, authorities seized narcotics and gathered evidence connected to street level trafficking.

[00:18:30]Two men are now in jail on a million-doll bond each after officials found them with 48 pounds of suspected meth and about one pound of suspected cocaine. This morning at 8:30, a CHP officer stopped the car traveling northbound on I5 in Lakehead, identifying the driver as 26-year-old Victor Ramirez, and the passenger is 46-year-old Justin Mack, both of Oregon.

[00:18:52]and officer.

[00:18:53]>> On March 23rd, 2025, a routine traffic stop on Interstate 5 led to a major drug seizure by the California Highway Patrol Northern Division. Officers stopped a vehicle near Chico and became suspicious during the interaction, prompting a search with the assistance of a K9 unit. During the inspection, authorities discovered approximately 48 lb of myth and about 2 lb of Fendy concealed inside the vehicle. On Wednesday, federal, state, and local law enforcement serves 20 search warrants in Yuba, Taha, Sutter, and But counties. The task force says they took down two drug labs, found and seized guns, ammunition, and drugs.

[00:19:33]Officers arrested 20 people. More than 125 law enforcement officers took part in this operation. And Mary'sville police officer Osmar Rodarte was one of them and he was killed. The task force says he was helping secure a home in Olivehurst when Rick Oliver ambushed officers. Officer Rodarte was hit. They say Rodarte and another officer returned fire and killed Oliver. Rodarte died later at the hospital. He >> on March 28th, 2025.

[00:20:00]Authorities released new details about a multi-county drug trafficking investigation that turned deadly during a SWAT operation in Olivehurst, California. Officer Osmer Radard of the Mary'sville Police Department was part of a coordinated effort involving multiple agencies targeting a suspected drug trafficking operation when the SWAT team entered a residence on Kestrel Court in Yuba County. Gunfire erupted between officers and a suspect inside the home. The shootout resulted in the deaths of officer Rodart and 60-year-old Rick David Oliver.

[00:20:34]At about 10:30 p.m., residents started seeing a swarm of police lights around Jefferson Square Park near the city's Japan town. Dozens of San Francisco police and sheriff's deputies moved in and began making arrests. So many, in fact, a sheriff's bus was used to take all the suspects to jail. Neighbor Sebastian Luke shared his photos of the arrests last night. He doesn't want to show his face on camera because he's worried the drug dealers will return, but he's happy about the raid. On February 27th, 2025, San Francisco police officers and sheriff's deputies conducted a large-scale enforcement operation at Jefferson Square Park, resulting in nearly 90 arrests and the seizure of over a pound of narcotics. The operation targeted open air drug sales and sought to reduce criminal activity in the area.

[00:21:21]Authorities reported that coordinated efforts between local law enforcement agencies enabled officers to identify and apprehend individuals involved in drug distribution.

[00:21:31]>> Late Wednesday night, between 10:30 p.m.

[00:21:34]and 1:00 a.m., San Francisco law enforcement undertook a massive enforcement effort targeting the drug trade in Jefferson Square Park.

[00:21:41]>> GET BACK IN THE PARK.

[00:21:43]>> Frisco Live 415 captured the moment as dozens of officers and sheriff's deputies surrounded the park, taking dozens into custody. By the end of the bust, 86 people had been arrested. Chief Bill Scott said the crackdown in the park came after enforcement in other parts of the city pushed the drug trade here, and he said it won't be the last.

[00:22:02]In March 2025, federal authorities dismantled a major drug trafficking operation that transported drugs from California to Louisville, Kentucky, using the US Postal Service. Investigators discovered that traffickers had established a sophisticated pipeline, concealing narcotics in mailed packages to evade detection. The operation involved multiple individuals coordinating the shipment, receipt, and distribution of illegal drugs across state lines.

[00:22:33]Federal agents conducted surveillance, package inspections, and arrest to dismantle the network.

[00:22:39]>> Two huge drug busts in the central valley. some of the drugs hidden in carne assada beef. CHP found 15 pounds of meth hidden in that beef during a car stop along the five in Fresno County in October 2024. The California Highway Patrol seized approximately 15 lbs of meth hidden [music] inside packages of Carnosada during two separate traffic stops in Northern California. Officers became suspicious during routine enforcement and conducted vehicle searches, leading to the discovery of the concealed narcotics. Authorities said traffickers often hide drugs inside food [music] products to mask odors and avoid detection by drug sniffing dogs.

[00:23:22]The seized narcotics in these pictures are 89 kilos of cocaine, 821 lbs of meth, and more than 20 lbs of pills. It only takes as much as 2 milligs of fentinel to be a lethal dose. That's why police in California say there are enough fentinel pills in this picture to kill 4.7 million people. Just in April 2022, authorities in California seized approximately 20 lbs of Finny pills during a major drug bust, highlighting ongoing concerns about the spread of synthetic opioids. Law enforcement officials reported that the seizure occurred during an investigation targeting suspected drug trafficking activity. Officers discovered thousands of Fenty pills, which authorities noted could represent a significant number of potentially lethal doses due to the drug's extreme potency. Investigators believe the narcotics were intended for distribution within local >> of cocaine during a traffic stop.

[00:24:15]There's a photo of them there. The brick stacked up. This happened along I5 in Merced County. Officials say the cocaine has an estimated street value of $1.3 million. Officers arrested two men as a result, ages 24 and 20, both from Oregon. They now face multiple felony charges.

[00:24:34]>> September 15th, 2024, police arrested two individuals during a traffic stop after discovering approximately 1.3 million worth of Coca-Cola. Officers conducted a vehicle search following standard enforcement procedures and detected suspicious activity leading to the seizure. Authorities reported that the Coca-Cola was likely intended for distribution across California or to neighboring states. Guns, drugs, and cash. Police seized all that and more during a raid of this home along North Butler Avenue on Monday, leading to the arrest of 29-year-old Khalil Shelton, who police say repeatedly transported large amounts of drugs across the country. In addition to Shelton's home, police raided a second home here on North Edmonson Avenue that belongs to the suspect's grandmother. Because that home is under construction, Shelton allegedly stored more guns and drugs at this third home across the street on Edmonson. A family friend at that home told police he didn't know what was being kept at the home before he too was arrested on drug charges. On December 11th, 2024, federal authorities arrested a 29-year-old individual following a more than two-month investigation into drug trafficking from California to Indianapolis, Indiana. Investigators tracked shipments of narcotics across multiple jurisdictions using intelligence gathered from law enforcement databases and surveillance.

[00:25:58]The suspect was taken into custody after sufficient evidence was collected linking them to the trafficking operation. Authorities indicated that the drugs were intended for distribution within the Indianapolis area. On August 10th, 2024, multiple Bay Area counties reported a series of criminal incidents involving drug trafficking, fatal shootings, and arrests. Authorities stated that coordinated operations between local police departments led to the apprehension of suspects involved in illegal narcotics distribution.

[00:26:30]Investigations included surveillance, community tips, and targeted enforcement actions. In several cases, firearms, and narcotics were seized, and suspects were charged with related criminal offenses.

[00:26:45]Law enforcement officials emphasized [music] that addressing drug activity across multiple counties requires inter agency collaboration to monitor trafficking networks and prevent violence. Officers say they spotted a young suspect carrying a large Ziploc bag of marijuana. And when they tried to make contact, officers say the suspect fled, grabbing at his waistband as if he was concealing a weapon. After a brief chase, the suspect surrendered and they say a loaded pistol was found in his waistband. The suspect was booked into juvenile hall. On June 27th, 2025, authorities in central California conducted a multi- agency crackdown across Fresno and Kings counties targeting violent crimes and drug trafficking. The Fresno County Sheriff's Office executed search warrants at several homes, employing SWAT teams who use loudspeakers, flashbangs, and tactical entries to [music] apprehend suspects. Residents reported observing law enforcement activity, including side door breaches, while faces of arrested individuals [music] were blurred in videos due to federal involvement. On January, >> new at four, nearly 20 people are facing charges for shipping more than 255 packages of drugs from California right to our backyard.

[00:27:59]>> A new investigation revealed members of the group were flying to California and having drugs shipped back to the Rock Hill and Charlotte area >> on January 29th, 2024. Authorities reported that a drug trafficking group operating out of California was responsible for shipping narcotics back to South Carolina after receiving the shipments. The organization distributed the drugs to local dealers throughout the region.

[00:28:23]>> The bus happened at Desert Center on Monday. Border Patrol agents pulled over a car that was speeding and in the back seat they saw a spare tire that didn't match the vehicle. So, they looked into it. The K9 sniffed out the drugs inside a gas tank. Agents found more than 60 packages floating inside. They >> on October 26, 2023.

[00:28:45]Law enforcement officials intercepted a vehicle carrying approximately 1 million worth of Fentyian route from California to Arizona. Officers located the drugs about 51 mi west of the Arizona California state line during a traffic stop. Two individuals in the vehicle were taken into custody. Authorities stated that the Fenty, given its potency, posed a significant public health threat and that the seizure prevented potentially thousands of lethal doses from entering communities.

[00:29:15]>> Of drugs are off the streets this morning in Brentwood. Brentwood police and the DEA seized more than 60 pounds of methamphetamine. Officers say the street value is estimated at $120,000 and three suspects were taken into custody >> on August 24th, 2021. Police in Brentwood, California, seized approximately $120,000 worth of methamphetamine during a local traffic enforcement operation. Officers conducted vehicle inspections based on intelligence [music] and routine checks, resulting in the discovery of narcotics intended for distribution. The seizure demonstrated the ongoing role of local police in intercepting drugs before they reach communities. Authorities emphasized the importance of proactive enforcement. Traffic stops and inter agency cooperation to prevent illegal substances from circulating in the region.

[00:30:10]>> This after the Alama County Sheriff's Department raided a lab in Oakland where the dangerous drug was being made. The CDC says now the primary cause of overdose deaths in the US. One suspect is in custody and deputies now searching for a second person. On April 24th, 2022, authorities in Alama County, Northern California recovered 92.5 pounds of Fendy and two illegal firearms during a targeted law enforcement operation. Officials indicated that the seizure was part of ongoing efforts to combat the distribution of highly potent synthetic opioids within the county.

[00:30:47]>> Tidwell was in court today. The sheriff's office says he had 132 pounds of worth between 400 and $600,000 if sold on the street.

[00:30:57]>> On May 30th, 2017, law enforcement disrupted a California to Cincinnati drug network when a north side man [music] was found with 132 lbs of high-grade Mary and assault weapons in his vehicle. Authorities reported that the bust interrupted an organization transporting Mary from California to Ohio for distribution. The suspect entity was charged with drug possession, trafficking, and possession of a defaced firearm.

[00:31:26]>> A massive marijuana bust in San Bernardino County. Sheriff's deputies served a search warrant Monday at a home in Oak Hills. They say a 5 acre property had a newly built metal building containing over 3,000 trash bags filled with processed marijuana. On December 12th, 2024, authorities conducted a large-scale drug bust in Southern California, seizing over 100 million worth of merry.

[00:31:54]Investigators reported that the operation targeted a major trafficking network responsible for cultivating, processing, and distributing illegal cannabis. The operation involved multiple law enforcement agencies and included arrests of several key suspects on March 7th, 2026. Well, this is new tonight. Out of 12 county, six people were arrested in a drug raid. That raid took place at a home on Willow Springs Drive in Soulsbyville today. The sheriff's office posted this video of that raid. Deputies say inside the home, they found more than 100 grams of meth as equipment that was used in the sale of drugs. Twalum County authorities arrested six individuals during a drug raid at a home on Willow Springs Drive in Salsbyville. Deputies reported discovering more than 100 grams of meth and equipment used to package [music] and sell narcotics. The arrests were part of a targeted operation to dismantle local distribution networks and reduce the availability of illegal substances in the community.

[00:32:55]>> And deputies say that they had been getting a number of reports about a home on Barde Lane in South Sacramento that had been selling. So here's some video from last night as SWAT teams raided that home. Inside they found what looked like a full basically a store and you can see what looks like out there for sale with the price tags and everything.

[00:33:13]Look at the setup with the jars and all the products. They say the owner likely advertised online. The primary suspect in this case, Joseph Marquis, was not home during the raid. The sheriff's office says that he actually owns a security company called Sacramento Elite Patrol and had armed security on site.

[00:33:31]On December 6th, 2025, Sacramento County deputies dismantled a large illegal Mary operation in South Sacramento, recovering over 2 million worth of drugs and weapons. Authorities indicated that the operation involved multiple suspects, though the primary individual responsible remained at large. The seizure disrupted a significant local distribution network with deputies uncovering evidence of largecale cultivation and storage of narcotics. First here, only News 5 was there as federal agents started a drug roundup before dawn this morning.

[00:34:08]Federal agents say they broke up a California to Cleveland drug conspiracy.

[00:34:13]17 people indicted in this.

[00:34:15]>> On August 20th, 2019, federal authorities dismantled a California to Cleveland drug ring. Investigators stated that the organization trafficked narcotics from California to Ohio, distributing illegal drugs across state lines. Arrests were made and authorities seized quantities of narcotics intended for sale.

[00:34:37]>> This home on Elder Avenue were a low-key family with kids, the kind who'd ask for help occasionally for a flat tire.

[00:34:44]>> This is the FBI. Come to the front door.

[00:34:48]We have a search warrant for the resident. It is also where the FBI served one of more than a dozen search warrants early this morning as part of operation horsellar on July 14th, 2021.

[00:35:00]The FBI indicted 19 individuals in Orange County for involvement in H distribution [music] and money laundering. Investigators reported that the group used fake call centers and coded language to facilitate drug sales.

[00:35:14]Law enforcement officials emphasized that the operation disrupted a sophisticated criminal network using deceptive methods to conceal narcotics trafficking.

[00:35:23]>> 44 people have been charged across the San Francisco Bay area. The FBI FBI rather says the operation resulted in one of the largest meth seizures in Northern California history.

[00:35:34]>> Thousands of pounds of drugs seized. 44 people charged in South Bay drug investigation on February 11th, 2021. A South Bay drug investigation led to the seizure of thousands of pounds of illegal narcotics and the charging of 44 individuals. Authorities indicated that the operation involved multiple jurisdictions and targeted largecale trafficking networks. Harris >> monthslong gang sweep in Stockton leads to more than 30 arrests. Police dubbed it operation kryptonite takedown. After serving 55 search warrants, investigators arrested 34 suspected gang members. Charges range from assault to gun trafficking to EDDD fraud.

[00:36:18]>> On October 15th, 2020, the Stockton Police Department announced the results of Operation Kryptonite, a collaborative effort to combat street gang activity in Stockton, California. The operation was launched in response to a significant increase in violent crime involving documented street gang members between [music] 2018 and 2020. During the investigation, law enforcement officials executed 55 search warrants, resulting in 34 arrests for various criminal violations. Authorities recovered 38 firearms, seized approximately $40,000 in cash, and confiscated various drugs.

[00:36:56]Several significant arrests were made during Operation Kryptonite. Authorities found 21 firearms in their vehicle during the arrest.

[00:37:05]Police here in Stockton are calling it Operation Mustang. And we went along for the ride during the takedown.

[00:37:11]>> No, keep going. Keep going.

[00:37:12]>> It's a major gang crackdown. One arrest after another, mainly in the northeast Stockton area.

[00:37:18]>> This is a very sophisticated as well as a very vicious gang.

[00:37:22]>> The vicious street Stockton gang seen on this chart are the target of the state attorney general and California law enforcement. We pretty much wiped out as of today the hierarchy of this gang.

[00:37:35]More than 300 officers hit the streets today. 32 people were arrested. The tentacles of this gang cancer certainly spreads throughout the city, the state, and as you can see, all the way across the nation. Some of those states include North Carolina, Ohio, Philadelphia, and Rhode Island. Investigators say this gang was using FedEx, DHL, and UPS to transport the drugs. sweep started at 7:00 this morning and several houses that we pulled up to had bullet holes from previous drivebys. Police hope this >> a criminal grand jury on Friday indicted 12 suspected members of the Lok Town Crips, a Stocktonbased gang on charges related to a nationwide drug trafficking ring and a series of violent crimes that disrupted otherwise quiet neighborhoods.

[00:38:21]The indictments follow a major law enforcement sweep that took place which more than 30 alleged gang members were arrested. The Log Town Crips, an ethnic Cambodian gang, are accused of shipping illegal drugs through commercial couriers to fellow gang members in states as far away as North Carolina.

[00:38:40]The Sanwaqin County Supervising Deputy [music] District Attorney, Ron Freighes, noted that this is the first time in recent memory that such a large group of suspected gang members has been indicted simultaneously by a Sanwaqin County criminal grand jury. I think these defendants now realize what they're facing, Freighus said. I hope they do.

[00:39:01]The charges against them include participation in a criminal street gang, being felons in possession of firearms, drug sales, firing weapons, and transporting drugs. One significant outcome of the indictments is that the [music] defendants will go directly to trial, bypassing the preliminary hearings where a judge would typically review evidence to decide if a trial is [music] warranted. In total, the grand jury indicted 13 men. multiple state and local agencies looking into a pair of rival street gangs from Del Paso Heights and Strawberry Manor. And today they announced that they have arrested 20 gang members from the Strawberry Manor neighborhood. Charges include attempted human trafficking, robbery, narcotics and firearms. And they believe this could lead to more arrests. And >> this mother wears her only son's initials on her neck. A daily reminder to keep living for JJ. Until my last breath, I'll live for him and I'll speak his name.

[00:39:58]>> Nicole Clavo sat in a court hearing Tuesday, blindsided to learn her son's has finished his four-year sentence 6 months early. On November 13th, 2015, 17-year-old JJ Clavo and friends just left Popeye's to fuel up for their football game at Grant High School.

[00:40:16]While at an intersection in the Strawberry Manor neighborhood, Kimonte Lindsay walked up and started shooting into the car. in Clavo and injuring a teammate. Prosecutors called it a gang motivated, unprovoked, and premeditated ambush. In the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office fought to have Lindsay tried as an adult, but changes made to a state law during Lindsay's court proceedings kept him in juvenile court. A Sacramento Police Department investigation into the Strawberry Manor gangster Bloods has led to the [music] arrest of 20 suspected gang members involved in crimes such as attempted deletion, human trafficking, robbery, narcotics, [music] and firearms offenses. The operation, named Operation Challenger, was launched in November 2015 following increased violence between the Strawberry Manor Gangster Bloods and the neighboring Del Paso Heights Bloods. A key factor in the probe was the high-profile demise of 17-year-old Yalon JJ Clavo, a Grant High School football player, who was shot in the neck while riding in a car on November 13th, 2015. Police had previously arrested 16-year-old Kimanti Lindsay, charging him with deletion, shooting into an occupied vehicle, and a gang enhancement. Authorities later stated that Lindsay was affiliated with or acted on behalf of the Strawberry Manor Bloods. As part of Operation Challenger, police executed 20 search warrants and seized 11 firearms believed to have been used in crimes. Police estimate that [music] the Strawberry Manor Gangster Bloods have up to 100 members. Three members of the Strawberry Manor Gangster Bloods were sentenced [music] on Friday for the attempted deletion of a Del Paso Heights Bloods member, according to the Sacramento County District Attorney's Office. They were convicted of premeditated attempted in August for their role in the October 2016 shooting of a rival gang member in Del Paso Heights. The group drove into the neighborhood and shot the victim as he exited his car. The man was struck once but survived. Stray bullets also hit a parked car and a nearby school that was [music] in session. During the investigation, law enforcement intercepted a phone call to GI which led to the seizure of one of the firearms used in the shooting. The second gun was found after officers executed a search warrant at Aerson's residence. All suspects were arrested by early 2017.

[00:42:50][music] Tonight, the court ordered enforcement against West Sacramento's Brick Boys has officially ended.

[00:42:56]>> That really broke everything up because it cracked down on everything. You know, everybody start going to jail.

[00:43:03]>> Darwin Massie did hard time for his involvement within the gang.

[00:43:07]>> I wasted so many so many years of my life.

[00:43:10]>> Joining a life of crime so young, >> I'd say 13, 14.

[00:43:14]>> The infamous gang expanding across generations began terrorizing the community. Fact, these guys are going around shooting at grandma's house.

[00:43:21]>> Wes talking about the permanent gang injunction, a three square mile area known as the safety zone stretching from the Broadri to Bright neighborhood.

[00:43:31]Young gang members would get picked up for curfew, weapons, drugs, and graffiti violations.

[00:43:37]>> The [ __ ] indicted by a grand jury and charged with multiple crimes, including attempted four alleged gang members made their first court appearance today. The charges stem from an attack on an Amtrak engineer back in April in West Sacramento. Five suspects are being charged. Three of them are teenagers and are being tried as adult.

[00:43:57]>> They're being charged as adults, but these defendants who are facing 12 years in prison both look and act their age.

[00:44:04]>> So, you believe the defendants were trying this engineer?

[00:44:06]>> Yes.

[00:44:07]>> These three boys are teenagers. We can show you their faces because they're being charged as adults. Who is your son?

[00:44:13]>> My son is Austin Nunes. He's 17. This defendant, Orlando Ramos, is only 15.

[00:44:19]The three juveniles along with two adults are charged with attempt.

[00:44:23]>> The Brick Boys are a street gang based in the Brick area of West Sacramento, California. The gang emerged in the 1970s and has been linked to drug trafficking, assaults, [music] and deletions. Over the years, law enforcement agencies have taken steps to curb their influence, including the use of gang injunctions to restrict their movements and activities. One of the most notable incidents involving the [music] Brick Boys occurred on April 16th, 2007 when Amtrak engineer Jacob Keading stopped his train near the I Street Bridge in West Sacramento to remove a trespasser from the tracks. As he exited the train, Keading and the conductor were ambushed by a group [music] throwing rocks and bottles.

[00:45:09]Keading sustained serious injuries in the attack and four Brick Royy's members were later convicted for their involvement. In response to ongoing gang related violence, the Yolo County District Attorney's Office implemented a gang injunction in 2005, restricting the activities of suspected gang members within a designated safety zone in West Sacramento. However, the injunction faced legal challenges with critics arguing it violated civil liberties.

[00:45:39]Despite this, the injunction remained in effect for over a decade before expiring in 2018.

[00:45:46]There's a new buzzer on the front door at the camp transformation center in Riverside after the gym says a homeless man brought all his belongings inside, refused to leave, and turned violent.

[00:45:58]>> He did punch me in the face in the lobby, and then when we went outside, he proceeded to pull out a knife and um threatened to poke me multiple times.

[00:46:08]>> Eric Salgado owns the gym. He's one of many small business owners along the Magnolia corridor in Riverside who've made complaints to police about an increase in crime. The Northgate Market says shoplifting has been out of control for years. Riverside police are trying to keep everyone safe, too. They just arrested over 100 people here in a three-day sting called Operation Street Sweeper. 44 people were arrested for selling narcotics. Police Chief Larry Gonzalez says state laws like Prop 47 and 57 have made it much harder for police to do their jobs and minimize jail time, allowing people out committing crimes to fall deeper into addiction and homelessness. He says most of the people they just arrested were homeless struggling with substance abuse issues.

[00:46:52]>> In spring 2024, the Riverside PD narcotics unit targeted open air drug sales along the Magnolia Avenue corridor between Van Beern and Pier Street.

[00:47:03]Dubbed Operation Street Sweeper, this undercover sting aimed to [music] dismantle a homelessdriven drug market in several motel. Over 3 weeks, officers made 46 separate purchases of various drugs from the suspected dealers. Each buyer was typically a transient motel resident. After gathering evidence, [music] police conducted a multi-day raid on May 2024. They identified 44 drug selling suspects. 33 were arrested and booked for narcotic sales violations. In addition, 71 other individuals were taken into custody for unrelated charges, [music] including parole and probation violations, outstanding warrants, felony and misdemeanor, and trespassing. The total number of arrests was 104 people.

[00:47:51]Riverside PD noted that nearly all arrestes claimed homelessness. The chief reported that crime calls and emergency medical calls along Magnolia Avenue immediately and significantly decreased after the operation. The raids turned up more than drugs. For example, one motel room search discovered a woman wanted for a 2022 felony DUI crash and a man with an outstanding burglary warrant.

[00:48:16]Officers also found thousands of dollars in stolen merchandise [music] in the room. City officials said the operation disrupted a high volume drug hub [music] and made the neighborhood safer in the short term.

[00:48:28]>> 85 people the Orange County Sheriff's Department and the Department of Justice arrested over a 3month span. The so-called Operation Scarecrow targeted the Sereno Street Gang and Mexican Mafia members operating in Orange County. With the arrest, authorities say they've disrupted the criminal actions of the Mexican Mafia, which operates in jails and prisons. In 2016, longtime Orange County Mexican mafia leader Peter O'Hada was sentenced to 15 years for racketeering and is said to have continued running criminal activity in the area.

[00:48:59]>> Authorities said Operation Scarecrow was a three-month gang investigation targeting Sereno Street gang subsets and an alleged criminal enterprise directed by the Mexican mafia with state and county teams working side by side to disrupt the group's control and trafficking activity. Officials said the cases sparked traced back to a Christmas Day 2016 demise in San Juan Capistrano, which investigators described as the catalyst that [music] expanded into one of the largest operations in OC Sheriff's history. When the operation wrap, officials announced 85 arrests and major seizures. They also said the investigation turned up counterfeit money and credit card readers and that 37 search warrants were served as the enforcement phase unfolded. and still others in brokering sales to Allied crews outside California.

[00:49:50]>> The FBI and Englewood PD investigated what was being produced and distributed out of the so-called convenience store.

[00:49:57]It's only a few blocks away from where the LA Rams new stadium is being built.

[00:50:02]>> On numerous occasions throughout the investigation, law enforcement officers saw OLC gang members participate in hand-tohand drug sales uh in and around the Englewood area. This is exclusive video of federal agents processing the suspects they picked up late last night and early this morning. The agents faces have been blurred to protect their identity. Search and arrest warrants were served in Englewood, Hawthorne, and Los Angeles. More than 200 law enforcement agents and officers took part. These are the suspects they were after. The ones with their faces covered are in custody. Four [snorts] are still on the loose. According to the grand jury indictment, the suspects would take the drugs from this storefront and deliver them to places like the Social Security office in Englewood where they'd meet customers. In August 2018, federal and local authorities executed a pre-dawn sweep that targeted the Oage legend Crypts, an Englewood South Los Angeles set investigators said had evolved into a drug manufacturing and distribution enterprise protected by violence. A federal grand jury charged roughly 15 defendants, 10, arrested during the sweep with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute drugs, maintaining a drug involved premises, possessing firearms, and furtherance of drug trafficking, and being felons in possession of firearms. At the center of the case was a small storefront on South Prairie Avenue that according to the indictment doubled as a cooking and packaging site where powder coke was converted, bundled for street sales and dispatched to customers. Investigators said the Oage Legend Crips members coordinated deliveries to public sites, used coded communications and lookouts, and enforced their territory with intimidation and gunplay to protect drugs, proceeds, and roots from rivals.

[00:51:57]agents seized firearms and narcotics tied to the operation and alleged the crew relied on a blend of retail style distribution and classic gang tactics armed security, rapid car to hand drops, and the use of a seemingly legitimate business as cover. Prosecutors emphasized that the enterprise model rather than isolated street deals drove the charging strategy and exposed defendants to stiff federal penalties.

[00:52:22]On the lead narcotics conspiracy counts, defendants faced mandatory minimums of 10 years and up to life in federal prison with additional consecutive time possible on firearm and furtherance charges.

[00:52:35]>> Morning. Federal and local law enforcement fanned out across the city of San Bernardino in order to round up members of the Westside Verdugo Street Gang. Now, we're told the gang sweep targeted a total of 35 members, of which 24 were arrested during the raid. 10 are already in custody and one remains at large. According to the federal indictment, the violent street gang is responsible for the trafficking and distribution of drugs throughout Southern California on behalf of the Mexican mafia. The investigation into the gang began in 2017 after gang intelligence got wind of a conspiracy.

[00:53:07]Authorities tell us that the gang members were purposely getting arrested in order to smuggle drugs into the county and city jail via their body cavity. Today's operation, dubbed Westside Guillotine, was aimed at disrupting the gang's activity.

[00:53:20]>> On April 25th, 2019, federal and local authorities announced that 35 alleged members and associates of the Westside Verdugo Street gang in San Bernardino were charged in a sweeping probe known as Operation Westside Guillotine. The gang, long tied to the Mexican mafia, was accused of running a large-scale narcotics operation that moved meth and h throughout the Inland Empire and into local jails. More than 250 law enforcement officers participated in coordinated early morning raids, arresting 24 of the suspects, while 10 others were already in state custody and one remained at large. Investigators said the group's operation stretched from July 2017 through April 2019 and included a disturbing smuggling tactic.

[00:54:08]Members intentionally getting arrested to sneak drugs into county jails by hiding narcotics, syringes, and packaging in body cavities. Once inside, the drugs were distributed among inmates and sold through outside contacts who sent proceeds back into gang controlled accounts. Authorities seized more than 30 pounds of meth along with H weapons [music] and cash. The 35 defendants faced a combination of federal drug trafficking, firearms, identity theft, and money laundering charges, many of which carry potential life sentences.

[00:54:43]Prosecutors described the Westside Verdugo gang as one of San Bernardino's oldest and most entrenched street crews, acting as a local extension of the Mexican mafia's control over Southern California jails and neighborhoods.

[00:54:56]Officials said the goal of the operation was to dismantle a criminal network that had exerted influence over San Bernardino for nearly 50 years. Over roughly a year, San Bernardino police led a sweeping crackdown on the Westside Verdugo gang that produced 180 felony arrests, shut down 30 illegal gambling parlors, and seized 111 firearms along with nearly 300,000 in cash and hundreds of pounds of meth, Fendy, H, and Mary.

[00:55:27]What began as an inquiry into elicit gun sales quickly widened when detectives realized the crew was running a coordinated conspiracystyle operation that stretched into Los Angeles and Orange counties intertwining guns, narcotics, and high-end gambling machines imported on the black market.

[00:55:45]The case, nicknamed Operation Westside Jenga, culminated with 34 search warrants served in a single day, 31 arrests, and tables of assault weapons and handguns displayed [music] at police headquarters. Investigators said the gambling sites hidden in homes, warehouses, and shuttered businesses were jointly operated with the Mexican mafia, generated tens of thousands of dollars per week, and were linked to multiple deletions and attempted deletions. Evidence from the probe also helped close two separate deletion cases and reportedly prevented several planned shootings and armed robberies. Unlike many large gang takeowns, authorities kept the prosecutions local rather than going federal under RICO. The San Bernardino County District Attorney filed charges against [music] at least 45 defendants, stacking 57 firearm enhancements, 41 gang enhancements, and several third strike allegations, and indicated more filings were coming as cases were reviewed.

[00:56:46]>> As these Pennsylvania drug bus show, trafficking operations across the state are far more organized and widespread than they may appear at first glance.

[00:56:56]With investigations ranging from largecale Philadelphia raids and multi-million dollar seizures to interstate networks moving drugs across multiple states authorities uncovered cases involving dozens of arrests, wiretaps, K9 traffic stops, and coordinated federal operations, showing how routine encounters can quickly expand into major criminal investigations.

[00:57:21]At the same time, these busts represent significant disruptions to dangerous drug pipelines, removing large quantities of narcotics, firearms, and cash from communities across Pennsylvania. Whether it was a multi-year trafficking ring, a statewide crackdown, or a routine stop turning into a major seizure, each case highlights the ongoing battle to slow the flow of illegal drugs as authorities continue tracking and dismantling networks. While new operations emerge across the state,