Seizure of 31 pounds of Heroin in Palm Springs Area
Joint Investigation Results in Seizure of Drugs and Cash

RIVERSIDE, CA – The Riverside District Office of the Drug Enforcement Administration, to include Task Force Officers from the Palm Springs Narcotics Task Force and the Riverside Sheriff’s Department has dismantled a local Heroin distribution network operating in Coachella Valley, CA. This was a joint investigation between the Palm Springs Narcotics Task Force (DEA) and the Riverside Sheriff’s Office Special Investigation Bureau-East (SIB-East).

The primary mission of this investigation was directed at the disruption and dismantlement of this organization that was responsible for transportation and distribution of Mexican tar heroin in the Coachella Valley as well as Southern and Northern California areas.

On January 10, 2006, Agents and Officers culminated this investigation with the seizure of approximately 31 pounds of black tar heroin, as well as 3 arrests, the seizure of approximately $53,000 in U.S. currency, 4 vehicles (2002 Cadillac Escalade; 2002 Ford F-150; 2000 Chevy Tahoe and 2004 Dodge Ram 2500), a hand gun and a .22 caliber rifle. The wholesale value of the heroin is estimated at $756,000 and a street value estimated at $1.3 million dollars in the Palm Springs area.

The investigation of this organization revealed that the organization was transporting Black Tar Heroin from Mexico through Indio, California, for further distribution in Coachella Valley and throughout Southern and Northern California. This was a 7-month joint investigation utilizing the resources of the DEA and the Riverside Sheriff’s Department.

The 3 arrested individuals will be charged in Federal Court and prosecuted by the Riverside Office of the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Further information will be disseminated to press outlets when available for release. Please forward any questions to DEA Los Angeles Public Information Officer Sarah Fenno Beers at (213) 621-6827.