14 Suspects Arrested In Los Angeles Drug Ring Investigation
By Martinian & Associates
Jun. 13, 2011 4:15p
Police Investigate Illicit Activities In Oxnard
Police authorities said they had investigated an alleged drug smuggling operation over six months, seizing narcotics and charging multiple suspects for their involvement.
According to the report released by law enforcement officials, the investigation started in Oxnard under the auspices of the Santa Barbara Regional Narcotics Enforcement Team, or SBRNET. As the investigation turned up more and more evidence of a wider spread drug ring, the case began to encompass activities in Santa Barbara, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
Undercover agents with the investigative agency purchased small amounts of the narcotics in Oxnard, using this method to trace the illegal substances back throughout the Los Angeles area. Eventually, police uncovered evidence of a plan to make weekly purchases of cocaine and methamphetamine in Los Angeles, which the suspects would then distribute throughout the smaller counties.
SBRNET Arrests Multiple Alleged Conspirators
On Thursday, June 9th, police officers served warrants for 16 suspects throughout this area in connection to the ring, including 11 Oxnard residents. Of those 11, 8 were charged with selling and conspiracy to sell methamphetamine and cocaine, while the other 3 faced non-drug related charges. SBRNET also seized a total of 16 grams of rock cocaine, about 12 pounds of methamphetamine, 5 handguns, and $200,000 in the bust.
Although 14 suspects were arrested in the sting operation on Thursday, two remain at large and are being sought by authorities.
Seek A Criminal Defense Attorney ASAP
If you have been charged with a drug trafficking charge, the penalties you face could be extremely serious. You will likely face a felony case, depending on the exact substance involved. With the help of a dedicated Los Angeles criminal defense attorney, however, you can beat your charges and earn your freedom. At Martinian & Associates, our defense firm is ready and able to put our 30 years of experience in the criminal justice system at your disposal.
