“Excellent work by California DOJ special agents, Downey Police officers and the LA County District Attorney’s Office. We are grateful for the law enforcement efforts that are laser-focused on removing fentanyl and those who traffic fentanyl from our communities.”
CSLEA President Alan Barcelona
LOS ANGELES — On March 11, 2025, California Attorney General Rob Bonta together with that Downey Police Department and Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman announced the arrest of three major fentanyl traffickers and the seizure of nearly $55 million worth of fentanyl in Los Angeles.
The California Department of Justice (DOJ) and Downey Police Department conducted a long-term investigation that ultimately led to the arrest three major fentanyl traffickers along with the seizure of 20 kilograms of powder fentanyl, 5 kilograms of heroin, 10 pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, two firearm suppressors, and narcotics packaging.
“Today’s announcement proves that the California Department of Justice is all-in when it comes to protecting California families from the dangers of fentanyl,” said Attorney General Bonta. “The opioid crisis is a multifaceted public health and safety issue — and addressing this crisis requires a thoughtful and strategic approach. I want to thank my team, the Downey Police Department and the Los Angeles County District Attorney for their work in taking fentanyl off our streets and out of California communities. There are countless lives being saved as a result of this important and difficult work.”
“Fentanyl continues to claim lives across California and the United States; these drugs ravage the very foundation of our communities,” said Downey Police Chief Scott Loughner.”Every time we take deadly drugs like fentanyl off the streets, lives are saved. This investigation demonstrates the strength and continued commitment of the Downey Police Department, the Department of Justice and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.”
The traffickers were transported and booked by the Downey Police Department. They are facing charges for violating California Health and Safety Code Sections 11351 and 11352. In addition, one of the traffickers has an extraditable federal warrant pending for narcotics. This case is being prosecuted by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
In 2023, the California Department of Justice developed the Fentanyl Enforcement Program in response to an emerging California fentanyl epidemic. The Fentanyl Enforcement Program houses three teams in San Diego, Los Angeles, and Dublin. The goal of the Fentanyl Enforcement Program is to identify and dismantle fentanyl distribution organizations throughout California.
