Operation Central Valley Blues Targets Drug Dealers Using Digital Platforms
Sacramento, Calif.— The Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, in partnership with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California; U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, San Francisco Field Division’s Sacramento District Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation, Sacramento Field Office; Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office; Sacramento Police Department; Central Valley California High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (CVC HIDTA); supported by the social media company Meta Platforms Inc., today announced the results of Operation Central Valley Blues (OCVB).
OCVB expands on the local model Folsom Blues, scaling the approach across the state to intercept fentanyl, methamphetamine, and other dangerous substances contributing to overdoses and deaths in local communities.
With participation from 38 federal, state, and local agencies across 14 counties—and support from Meta—the operation targeted the retail end-sale or “last mile” of drug and firearms trafficking that often uses online platforms like social media to promote criminal activity. Federal and local prosecutors partnered closely with participating law enforcement agencies and Meta’s team on investigations, timely legal processes, and lawful access to evidence. Meta provided critical support throughout these investigations, underscoring the importance of cooperation between technology companies and law enforcement. The operation combined intelligence-driven methods with proactive enforcement, undercover operations, high-impact patrols, search warrants, and probation/parole compliance efforts to disrupt criminal activity both online and across neighborhoods.
Operation Results Total arrests: 146
Narcotics seized (street value: $7.4 million)
• Cannabis: 3,184 lbs. 15.4 oz
• Methamphetamine: 91 lbs. 13.1 oz
• Cocaine: 7 lbs. 12.3 oz
• Psilocybin: 1 lb. 3.2 oz
• Fentanyl: 7.5 oz / 16,136 pills
• Heroin: 1.0 oz
• GHB: 6.5 oz
Total narcotics: 3,286 lbs. 15.2 oz and 18,542 pills
Firearms recovered: 43
Currency seized: $338,222
“Our office is proud to have been a key partner in Operation Central Valley Blues (OCVB), which builds upon the success of the local Folsom Blues drug operations in identifying and arresting online drug and weapons dealers,” said Sacramento County District Attorney Thien Ho. “I commend all participating law enforcement agencies for their dedication to this operation, and to Meta for their landmark support in our effort protect our communities from dangerous online dealers.”
“Operation Central Valley Blues demonstrates the unwavering commitment to disrupt illicit drug supply by DEA and our partners, highlighting the sustained collaboration among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutorial partners, and the private sector,” said United States Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, San Francisco Field Division, Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris. “This HSTF designated and coordinated approach demonstrates how shared resources, intelligence, and investigative capabilities can be used to address emerging criminal threats, strengthen partnerships, protecting the safety and well-being of our communities.”
“The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California is proud to collaborate closely with our local, state, and federal partners—including District Attorney’s Offices—on a major operation targeting drug trafficking and firearms offenses,” said United States Attorney for the Eastern District of California Eric Grant. “This coordinated effort reflects our shared commitment to protecting the community, dismantling violent criminal networks, and ensuring that those who endanger public safety are held fully accountable. Through unified investigation and prosecution strategies, we aim to secure the strongest, most effective sentences and deliver lasting impacts on regional safety.”
“Executive Director John Martin of the Central Valley California HIDTA mentioned “this initiative is a prime example of HIDTA supporting these types of operations through successful communication, coordination and collaboration.”
“Operations like Central Valley Blues demonstrate what is possible when law enforcement agencies and our partners work together toward a shared public safety mission,” said Sacramento Interim Chief of Police Zachary Bales. “Those who use social media to traffic dangerous drugs and firearms impact communities far beyond any single jurisdiction. We are proud to stand alongside our regional, state, and federal partners to disrupt that activity and hold those responsible accountable.”
"We're proud to work alongside law enforcement to prevent harm and keep our communities safe from illicit drugs. As part of this joint operation, we removed more than 800 accounts for violating our policies and shared information that helped lead to real-world enforcement actions. We’re grateful to the DEA, the Sacramento County District Attorney, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California, the Homeland Security Task Force, and federal, state, and local law enforcement for their partnership and will continue to work together to keep our communities safe."– Chris Sonderby, Vice President, Meta.