In a significant blow to illicit drug activities in the region, a federal grand jury has indicted five San Joaquin County men on charges of drug trafficking, as announced by the U.S. Department of Justice.The accused include Jorge Omar Arredondo Garcia, 44, of Lodi; Gregorio Ontiveros Verdugo, 39, of Morada; Jose Manuel Ontiveros Verdugo, 37, of Stockton, Alberto Navarro Zapata, 36, of Stockton; and Wilfredo Reyes, 48, of Manteca. Each has been named in a 13-count indictment encompassing conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, distribution of heroin, and unlawful use of a telephone, according to U.S. Attorney Phillip Talbert.
The charges relate to actions allegedly committed between July and December 2019, during which time the group is accused of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. An FBI investigation into the supposed drug trafficking ring led to an undercover agent purchasing 11 pounds of methamphetamine and a half-pound of heroin from the defendants.
In addition to these activities, the DOJ accuses the group of attempting to ship large quantities of methamphetamine to Nebraska and Pennsylvania, totaling 71 pounds. Law enforcement was able to intercept both shipments.
Various local and national departments have assisted the FBI in its investigation, including the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Customs and Border Protection, the Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, the San Joaquin County Probation Department, the Stockton Police Department, and the Tracy Police Department.
If the men are found guilty, they face potential life imprisonment and fines of up to $10 million, as per the statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
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