A long-term narcotics operation by the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department that spanned all over the county resulted in the seizure of cash, narcotics, guns and the arrests of multiple individuals.

Over the course of a 13-month period of time, which began in November 2020 and spanned until December 2021, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Special Investigations Unit partnered together with federal counterparts from the Drug Enforcement Agency for a series of significant narcotics seizures and arrests.   

The 17 different search warrant operations spanned all corners of the county and focused on the dangerous influences of Fentanyl pouring into the United States via its import from Mexico. Each of these separate operations were the culmination of a larger, more complex investigation which crossed over several jurisdictional boundaries, said sheriff spokesman Sgt. Luke Schwartz.

Eight suspects have either been arrested, indicted or identified as fugitives-at-large, while nine total firearms were recovered. Nearly $135,000 in U.S. currency was seized.

The operation led to the confiscation of: 29,850 M30 Fentanyl-laced pills or tablets; more than 27 pounds of methamphetamine; nearly 18 pounds of straight Fentanyl powder; more than 50-pounds of processed marijuana; four pounds of cocaine; more than 565 grams of Xanax; and more than six-and-a-half pounds of heroin.

Some of the defendants arrested will be facing local criminal charges in state court and others will face them federally.

"We thank our federal counterparts working for the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, as they assisted our deputies with the removal of such a large amount of dangerous substances," Schwartz said. "Together, we as a community can better safeguard our streets and our families from the illegal drug trade."