Two Stanislaus County brothers have been sentenced to five years in state prison after being convicted of possessing controlled substances for sale, the District Attorney’s Office announced this week.

Mario Soberanes and Ramon Soberanes were convicted after prosecutors said an investigation by the Stanislaus County Special Investigations Unit led to the discovery of fentanyl and other controlled substances at properties tied to the brothers. Detectives also seized digital scales, packaging materials and other items associated with drug sales, along with more than $60,000 in cash that authorities say was drug‑trafficking proceeds.

Both men admitted to a quantity enhancement based on the amount of drugs recovered, making them eligible for state prison under recent changes to California law. Proposition 36, approved by voters in 2024, expanded sentencing options for drug traffickers and allows certain offenders to be sent to state prison rather than remain in county jail.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Thane Nored. District Attorney Jeff Laugero said the convictions and sentences reflect the office’s continued focus on fentanyl and large‑scale drug distribution cases, which have been a growing concern across the Central Valley in recent years.

The investigation that led to the arrests included the execution of multiple search warrants and coordination among narcotics detectives. Prosecutors said the seized cash will be processed under California’s drug‑trafficking asset forfeiture laws.

The District Attorney’s Office said the case remains part of broader regional efforts to disrupt fentanyl distribution networks and hold traffickers accountable.