Citizens Enlist Help from DEA and Bakersfield PD to Keep Community Fentanyl Free
Bakersfield, Calif.- After receiving calls from community members concerned about suspected narcotics sales in the Oleander area, the Bakersfield Police Department’s Narcotics Unit, in coordination with California Highway Patrol officers assigned to the Bakersfield DEA Task Force, initiated a coordinated investigation over the course of several days.
On March 18th, 2026, Miguel Aguilar, 46, was arrested on multiple narcotics and firearm-related charges.
Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge of San Francisco Field Division Bob P. Beris said, “Successful law enforcement partnerships and joint enforcement efforts have resulted in community organizations taking back their residential streets. These efforts highlight DEA’s agility to surge resources to high-threat areas, improving the quality of life for residents.”
During this operation, BPD narcotics detectives and CHP officers observed Aguilar engaging in suspected narcotics transactions with multiple individuals in the Oleander area. Aguilar was later contacted by BPD officers and found to be in possession of a loaded .380-caliber handgun. He was taken into custody without incident.
A search of Aguilar’s vehicle revealed approximately one-half pound of fentanyl, one-half pound of methamphetamine, 3.5 ounces of heroin, and $1,780 in U.S. currency.