Get TMZ breaking news sent right to your browser! Law enforcement officials say 2 milligrams of fentanyl is enough to kill someone, which would mean a single sugar-packets worth of the opioid would pack 500 lethal doses. Saavedra has worked as a journalist since 1979 and has held positions at several Southern California newspapers before arriving at the Orange County Register in 1990. Box sizes start from 300mm (D) x 100mm (W) x 95mm (H) and range all the way up to 600mm (D) x 300mm (W) x 95mm (H). Man who Accused Identical Twin Brother of Kidnapping, Raping 9-year-old Girl and Female Jogger Two Decades Ago Convicted in Attacks; Kevin Konther is also convicted of molesting 12-year-old daughter of a former girlfriend; investigative genetic genealogy led Sheriffs investigators to suspect. WebAccording to that release, Orange County saw a 1,000% increase in fentanyl-related deaths over the last five years due to the drug being disguised and sold as less potent substances. Fentanyl does not discriminate and its affecting every community, ethnicity and generation throughout our country.. Six months before the transaction that led to the teens death, Wilkinson allegedly possessed distribution quantities of several types of narcotics, including nearly 1,400 counterfeit oxycodone pills laced with fentanyl. The seizures of these dangerous and deadly narcotics come at a time when local law enforcement offices are being warned by the DEA about nationwide cases of mass fentanyl overdoses. Some of the alleged drug traffickers knew or had reason to believe their products contained fentanyl, even though they claimed to be selling other narcotics. Buena Park drug bust: 20 pounds of fentanyl, nearly 200 pounds of cocaine and over 800 pounds of meth were found, officials said officials said. Then, the prosecutors say, if a dealer is involved in another fentanyl sale that results in death, second-degree murder charges could be filed. The Daily Caller | 1775 Eye Street NW | Suite 1150-290 | Washington, DC 20006, (RELATED: Desperate Mothers Of Drug Addicts Take Out Billboard In San Francisco Lamenting Drug Crisis). Buena Park police recovered 821 pounds of methamphetamine, 189.7 pounds of cocaine and 20.5 pounds of fentanyl pills in a traffic stop of a minivan on March 17, according to the Orange County District Attorney's Office. KABC. They have pled not guilty and remain in custody in lieu of $5 million bail. Often when we discuss the rampant rise of drug-caused deaths theres a focus on numbers, but todays announcement is an important reminder that these numbers are more than that these are our children, loved ones and friends, said DEA Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Bill Bodner. If convicted, each faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in federal prison and a potential sentence of life without parole. All rights reserved. The bust marked Orange Countys largest drug bust in 16 years, the district attorneys office said in a press release. WebLocally, the number of fentanyl related deaths in Orange County grew from 36 in 2016 to 636 in 2021, a 1600 percent increase, according to county statistics. Buena Park police officers recovered 821 pounds of meth, 189.7 pounds of cocaine and 20.5 pounds of fentanyl pills after pulling over a minivan leaving a Buena Park home on March 17, 2022. OC drug bust: Two drug dealers had enough fentanyl to kill 4.7 million people, DA says Its the largest drug bust in Orange County in nearly 16 years. Since the start of the Overdose Justice program in 2018, the DEA has worked with local police agencies to obtain about three dozen federal indictments charging defendants with death resulting from narcotics trafficking. WebA large seizure of fentanyl by sheriffs deputies this week yielded almost half the amount of the deadly opioid snagged by authorities in Orange County during all of 2018 a sign the With fentanyl in an estimated 40 percent of street drugs, its not a matter of if but when someone you know and love dies from fentanyl, Spitzer said in his statement. It is refreshing to receive such great customer service and this is the 1st time we have dealt with you and Krosstech. Dr. Anthony Cardillo, CEO of Mend Urgent Care, told Eyewitness News that physicians are very careful about prescribing fentanyl for patients who need pain control. Two Men Nabbed with Enough Fentanyl To Kill 4.7 Mil People, Gunman Shoots Homeless Man Point Blank In The Head, Despite Being Locked Up for Megan Shooting, Suspended For Spitting On Drew Doughty In Game, 2023 EHM PRODUCTIONS,INC. After police officers pulled over a minivan in Buena Park on March 17, they found 20.5 pounds of fentanyl pills, 189.7 pounds of cocaine and 821 pounds of meth, officials said. Drug dealers dont care about you or your loved ones they only care about their bottom line and making as much money as possible. The arrests are part of a multi-agency investigation and enforcement action conducted by the Orange County Drug Task Force, the Orange County Sheriffs Office, Town Police in New Windsor and Wallkill, and the City of Port Jervis Police Department, assisted by the Orange County District Attorneys Office, the Hudson Valley Crime Analysis Center and the City of Newburgh Police Department. Whether used in controlled storeroom environments or in busy industrial workshops, you can count on DURABOX to outlast the competition. With fentanyl in an estimated 40 percent of street drugs, its not a matter of if but when someone you know, and love dies from fentanyl. We have to continue to do everything we can to combat this deadly drug epidemic and save lives.". Last November, Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced the Orange County District Attorneys Office is warning every convicted drug dealer and distributor of the dangers of drugs especially fentanyl and advising them that if their drug activities result is someones death they can be charged with murder. A lot of these drugs eventually make their way to the East Coast and even to the streets of Jacksonville. WebProsecutors are saying its the largest drug bust in Orange County in 16 years. WebOREM, Utah (ABC4) A traffic stop has led to the arrest of a Springville woman who was found to be in possession of large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Investigators collected DURABOX products are designed and manufactured to stand the test of time. Lamaslopez's attorney, Wilo Nunez, said the $5 million figure amounted to "no bail.'' Thursday, May 12, 2022. His stories have led to the closure of a chain of badly-run group homes, the end of a state program that placed criminals in inappropriate public jobs and the creation of a civilian oversight office for the Orange County Sheriff's Department, among other things. Klein pleaded not guilty April 15 and was ordered to stand trial on June 7. In most of the cases, the victims did not know they were ingesting fentanyl. Joker, 23, of Santa Ana was arrested April 1 on a grand jury indictment filed last month alleging he distributed fentanyl in counterfeit Percocet pills to an 18-year-old Tustin resident who died after ingesting the drug. All rights reserved. The drugs were found in a minivan that police pulled over after a driver left a Buena Park home, the DA statement said. The agency said it seized three guns, almost $200,000 in assets and more than 3 kilos of fentanyl. Track SoCal rain with LIVE Megadoppler 7000 HD. Every law enforcement agency in Orange County has also committed to providing a controlled substance advisement at the time of arrest to warn drug dealers and manufacturers of the deadly consequences of their criminal activities. They are next due in court May 16 in the North Justice Center in Fullerton for a pretrial hearing. You read that right. We have to continue to do everything we can to combat this deadly drug epidemic and save lives.. Tony Saavedra is an investigative reporter specializing in legal affairs for the Orange County Register. WebPUBLISHED: April 22, 2022 at 3:08 p.m. | UPDATED: April 22, 2022 at 4:52 p.m. Federal charges carrying the potential for life in prison have been filed against suspected drug Lamas and Raygozaparedes remain in custody on $5 million bail after pleading not guilty to the charges. A total of 19 suspects were indicted. That conviction would subject Fender to a mandatory life sentence. Plus 800 pounds of Meth and 190 pounds of cocaine. Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines. The News4JAX Morning Show team brings you breaking news from overnight -- local, national and international stories, as well as weather and traffic to start your day. The Orange County DA's office noted in particular the potential lethality of fentanyl when someone overdoses. Site built by Systemagic, Criminal Sale of Controlled Substance Third Degree, This case and its results show the commitment of the Sheriffs Office and our law enforcement partners to remain resolute in seeking out and arresting those persons who choose to sell narcotic drugs in Orange County. And if you cant find a DURABOX size or configuration that meets your requirements, we can order a custom designed model to suit your specific needs. DURABOX double lined solid fibreboard will protect your goods from dust, humidity and corrosion. The DEA and the Orange County Sheriffs Department are investigating this case, to be prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Marrett. Nine of the defendants were arrested and charged with crimes including criminal sale of a controlled substance for the sale of narcotics to undercover police officers. On Feb. The video in the media player above is from a previous story. Enforcement of laws against dealers prevents deaths., Serving New Yorks Hudson Valley and Catskill for over 23 Years, Were the news source where other reporters get their news, Newsroom:[email protected]@statewidenews.com, 924 Homestead AvenueMaybrook, NY 12543Tel:929-607-3088, Copyright 2023 NY Newswire LLC| All rights reserved. Suspect throws drugs out car during Westminster chase, police say. Two men have been hit with several felony charges in Southern California, after police say they found enough fentanyl to kill 4.7 million people in one of the largest busts the county has seen in 16 years. Santa Ana, CA 92703 WebAlleged drug dealers facing charges by Orange County DA David Hoovler. Hernandez pleaded not guilty April 4 and was ordered held without bond. Smaller box sizes are available with a choice of one, two, three or four dividers, while the larger box sizes come with an option for a fifth divider. Hurley, who has been ordered detained without bond, is scheduled to stand trial on Sept. 27. What weve seen in about seven occasions throughout the United States, including Florida, is multiple people overdosing in close proximity.. Two Buena Park men have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after over 800 pounds of methamphetamines, nearly 190 pounds of cocaine and 20.5 pounds of fentanyl were recovered by authorities. And fentanyl is much cheaper and more potent than drugs such as heroin and morphine. The two men pleaded not guilty to the charges during arraignments on March 21, court records show, and both remain in custody in lieu of $5 million bail. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. Medical experts agree with that estimate. Dubet says Mexican drug cartels are flooding the U.S. with fentanyl to keep up with the demand by drug users as well as to get potentially new customers. Two alleged drug dealers are behind bars after what OC authorities describe as the largest drug bust in 16 years. Charges have been filed against two alleged drug dealers from Buena Park who had A preliminary hearing is set for June 7, 2021, at the North Justice Center in Fullerton in Department N3. @KFIAM640 pic.twitter.com/52BHHe49tc, Corbin Carson (@CorbinCarson) April 6, 2022. "Fentanyl is cheap, it's easy to get and it is killing our children, our coworkers and tens of thousands of innocent Americans who don't have to die. Multiple charges have been filed against the two alleged drug dealers, 36-year-old Edgar Alfonso Lamas and 53-year-old Carlos Raygozaparedes, according to the release. Officers located five pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the car, and the driver and passenger were arrested for allegedly possessing narcotics for sale, police said. Need more information or looking for a custom solution? If convicted on all charges, they face a maximum sentence of 37 years and four months in prison. This bust comes after Spitzer announced in November 2021 that drug dealers can be charged with murder if someone dies from fentanyl that they manufactured or sold. ORANGE COUNTY Eleven people are facing drug charges after a lengthy multi-department investigation, Raygozaparedes and Lamas both face a maximum sentence of 37 years and 4 months if convicted on all charges. I believe it was around 15,000 pounds, Dubet said. All rights reserved, Walgreens Goes to Trial in Florida Lawsuit on Opioids, Mothers Behind Billboard Calling Out San Francisco's Drug Crisis Speak Out, States Look for Solutions as US Fentanyl Deaths Keep Rising, Beckham High School Teacher in Irvine Accused of Recording Students in Bathroom, Experts Say Big Bear Bald Eagle Eggs Unlikely to Hatch. BEAUMONT, Texas A 35-year-old Beaumont man is facing charges after police found drugs, money and guns at an area residence. JACKSONVILLE, Fla. On the heels of a nationwide warning from the Drug Enforcement Administration about fentanyl-related mass-overdose deaths, News4JAX has learend that police in Southern California seized more than 20 pounds of the drug during a bust in Santa Ana. The DEA and the Huntington Beach Police Department are investigating the case, to be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Gina J. Kong. That includes seeking lengthy prison sentences where appropriate. Feds charge 7 suspected Orange County drug, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Feds charge 7 suspected Orange County drug dealers in fatal fentanyl overdoses, LA County reaches $28.85 million settlement with Kobe Bryants family, With soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche, Orange County Sheriffs deputies foil attempted jail escape, Escorts up Highways 18, 330 begin for San Bernardino Mountains residents, killed three people in a Balboa Island house, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Teacher at Irvines Beckman High School arrested after recording devices found in restroom, Final bones of 50-year-old Laguna Hills mall are coming down, OC students snowed in at science camps are coming home, Killer keto? "It's not a matter of if but when someone you know and love dies from fentanyl. The DEA and Orange County Sheriffs Department are investigating the case, which is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Melissa Rabbani. WebThe bust marked Orange Countys largest drug bust in 16 years, the district attorneys office said in a press release. Last year, we had a record year of fentanyl seizures. Drug dealers don't care about you or your loved ones -- they only care about their bottom line and making as much money as possible," said Spitzer. SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two alleged drug dealers were behind bars Wednesday after what Orange County authorities described as the largest drug bust in the past 16 years. WebSANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Two alleged drug dealers were behind bars Wednesday after what Orange County authorities described as the largest drug bust in the past 16 years. All seven are charged with distribution of fentanyl resulting in death. In December of last year, agents in Arizona seized a local record amount of fentanyl in one bust drug bust a whopping 1.7 million fentanyl pills. drug bust 2 suspects accused of shipping fentanyl out of country from Orange County, police say Officers located five pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the suspects' vehicle. Millions of unsuspecting people have the grim reaper looking over their shoulder and they have no idea how close they actually are to dying from taking a single pill, said Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer announced last November that drug dealers can be charged with murder if someone dies from a fentanyl overdose that they manufactured or sold. In narcotics sweeps in Orange County prior to the legislation, some bail was set by the court for almost all defendants charged with selling narcotics. Just weeks before the seizure, DEA agents in California seized 3 kilos of fentanyl powder. Edgar Alfonzo Lamas, 36, and Carlos Raygozaparedes, 53, both have been charged with multiple felonies counts related to the bust including possession and transportation for sale of a controlled substance as well as sentencing enhancements tied to the amount of drugs allegedly found. The seizure occurred when after an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle after seeing the driver and passenger exit it and litter, police said. With double-lined 2.1mm solid fibreboard construction, you can count on the superior quality and lifespan of all our DURABOX products. Send me email updates and offers from TMZ and its Affiliates. Federal grand jury indictments or criminal complaints have been filed against seven defendants. Law enforcement officials declined to release any further details about the drug bust or why they pulled over that vehicle. Dozens charged in Orange County narcotics investigation - Sullivan County Democrat Advertise Subscriber Services Subscribe Monticello Wednesday, February 15, 2023 40 F Partly Cloudy National Award-winning, Family-run Newspaper Advanced search News Sports High school College Outdoors Sports columns Hoy En Sullivan Noticias y announced a new crackdown on fentanyl through policies calling for dealers who sell fetanyl-laced drugs to face murder charges. With fentanyl in an estimated 40 percent of street drugs, its not a matter of if but when someone you know and love dies from fentanyl. WebTens of thousands of illicit pills, as well as guns and cash, were confiscated by Lake Forest Police after a traffic stop in South Orange County that prompted investigators to search The standard dose is 50 to 100 micrograms, Cardillo said. Needless to say we will be dealing with you again soon., Krosstech has been excellent in supplying our state-wide stores with storage containers at short notice and have always managed to meet our requirements., We have recently changed our Hospital supply of Wire Bins to Surgi Bins because of their quality and good price. They are currently in custody with bail set at $5 million and their preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 7 at the North Justice Center in Fullerton. }); 2022 Orange County District Attorney. Levels at 500 micrograms or higher are used for anesthetic purposes and if someone were to take 2 milligrams, it "would certainly be lethal," he said. The men both face up to 37 years and four months in prison if convicted at trial. Authorities seized what they described as a massive and potentially lethal quantity of drugs. lawmakers have been wary of legislation that would stiffen penalties for fentanyl dealers, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Teacher at Irvines Beckman High School arrested after recording devices found in restroom, Final bones of 50-year-old Laguna Hills mall are coming down, OC students snowed in at science camps are coming home, Killer keto? Nunez said his client is "presumed innocent'' and that he has just received the evidence in the case from prosecutors and would reserve further comment until later when he has had a chance to review it. Tyler David Wilkinson, 23, of Santa Ana was named Wednesday in a four-count federal grand jury indictment that alleges he sold counterfeit oxycodone pills to a 17-year-old victim who died of a fentanyl overdose in Lake Forest. Webdrug bust 2 suspects accused of shipping fentanyl out of country from Orange County, police say Officers located five pounds of fentanyl and methamphetamine in the Some suspects were already in custody on other charges. Edgar Alfonso Lamas, 36, and Carlos Raygozaparedes, 53, have been charged with one felony count of possession of sale of a controlled substance, three felony counts of sale or transportation for sale of a controlled substance, and two felony counts of possession of sale of a controlled substance. A total of 12 suspects have been arrested, with several more still outstanding. "With fentanyl in an estimated 40 percent of street drugs, it's not a matter of if but when someone you know and love dies from fentanyl. These cases highlight two important lessons, with the first being that many street drugs are contaminated with an extremely powerful opioid that often leads to death, United States Attorney Tracy L. Wilkison said. The victims in the Orange County cases are of diverse backgrounds. They face a maximum of 37 years and four months in prison. They are also fire resistant and can withstand extreme temperatures. Two Buena Park men have been arrested and charged with multiple felonies after authorities confiscated over 800 pounds of methamphetamines and nearly 190 pounds of cocaine, according to the Orange County District Attorney. And when youre done, DURABOX products are recyclable for eco-friendly disposal. WebFBI Cleveland Cartel Gang Narcotics & Laundering Task Force Announces Seizure of 88 Pounds of Drugs Valued at $5.2 Million and the Arrest of Two Drug Trafficking Six have been arrested and one is a fugitive. Buena Park Police Department officers recovered the contraband on March 17 from Edgar Alfonso Lamas, 36, and Carlos Raygozaparedes, 53, after pulling over a minivan that was leaving a home in Buena Park, according to the release. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), 2 Buena Park men charged in drug bust thats among biggest in OC history, LA County reaches $28.85 million settlement with Kobe Bryants family, With soaring mountains steep in snow, heres how to avoid an avalanche, Orange County Sheriffs deputies foil attempted jail escape, Escorts up Highways 18, 330 begin for San Bernardino Mountains residents, Local leaders and law enforcement officials have identified the fentanyl epidemic as Orange Countys most significant long-term health crisis,.