Compton, CA – Four males from L.A. County were arrested on Monday, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, for allegedly plotting to distribute “vast quantities” of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
According to a DEA release, the seven-count federal indictment follows a raid by the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division at a Compton safehouse, where they found guns, contraband, and narcotics revenues valued at millions of dollars.
During the raid, investigators found the following:
- 785 kg (1,730 pounds) of methamphetamine
- 108 kg (238 pounds) of cocaine
- 117 kg (257 pounds) of powder fentanyl
- Approximately 360,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills
- Approximately $1,642,371 in drug proceeds
- 13 firearms
- 7 vehicles
One count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled narcotics was brought against each of the four defendants, who are all L.A. County residents. At their arraignment the next day, all four entered not guilty pleas after being taken into custody on May 28.
They have been recognized as:
- Jesse Lopez-Martinez, 27, of Long Beach (aka “Gordo”)
- Carlos Mendoza Jr., 32, of Compton (aka “Los”)
- Hector Merced Parra Jr., 25, of South Gate (no known alias)
- Juan Francisco Felix Salazar, 28, of Whittier (aka “Panchito”)
Some of the men have been charged with additional offenses; Mendoza was charged with an additional count of possession with intent to distribute, Lopez-Martinez was charged with two more counts of possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, and Mendoza was charged with possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and felon in possession of a firearm.
According to the DEA’s press release, Mendoza’s 2012 felony drug transportation conviction in L.A. County prevents him from being able to lawfully own a handgun.
Parra and Felix were released on bond, but a federal magistrate judge ordered both men to be imprisoned without bond.
According to the indictment issued on May 22, the four individuals engaged in unlawful actions, some of which took place at a nearby restaurant, by conversing over FaceTime and Snapchat while using coded language, according to federal officials.
“Lopez-Martinez and Felix negotiated the sale of controlled substances with drug customers. Mendoza stored and safeguarded controlled substances at a residence on Wilmington Avenue in Compton,” the DEA’s media release states. “Lopez-Martinez arranged the delivery of controlled substances to drug customers [while he] and Mendoza transported methamphetamine.”
“Lopez-Martinez and Felix supplied fentanyl to others, including Parra, for further distribution,” the media release continues. “Parra received fentanyl on consignment from Felix for further distribution.”
The matter has been put for trial on July 21. Matthew Allen, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division, was adamant about the accusations and arrests.
“The men and women of DEA will show zero tolerance for drug criminals, who continue to poison and devastate our communities,” Allen said per the DEA release. “Collaboration between DEA and law enforcement partners at all levels has never been more resolute. We’re going to find you, shut down your activities and ensure you face the full force of the law.”
Each defendant faces a required minimum sentence of 10 years and a potential term of life in prison if found guilty of all charges.
