In the early hours of August 7, 2025, a coordinated unit of law enforcement officers descended on several locations in the San Fernando Valley.
Leading by a special investigation unit at the Simi Valley Police Department and supported by agents from the SWAT, K-9 units, drone operators, crime scene investigators and Drug Enforcement Bureau’s Ventura office, the multi-location operation targeted a sophisticated drug trade organization (DTO) suspected of flooding the area with deadly drugs.
It was offered by two homes on Morera Avenue in North Hollywood, two homes in Delis Place, Vanneis, one in Northridge, Recedouble Bird, and two businesses in North Hollywood on Rankershim Avenue. The swift, tactical raid followed a year and a half of investigation that discovered a vast network spanning Los Angeles, Ventura and San Bernardino counties.
Authorities said detectives traveled a fleet of DTO-linked vehicles to Simi Valley and surrounding communities every day, providing huge amounts of fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin and cocaine. The frequency and size of the shipment were wary of officials who feared the fatal potential of drugs on the streets.
LA County Fire Brigade Chief under investigation for alleged insurance fraud
A warrant intended to dismantle the distribution hubs that supported this illegal operation after months of surveillance, intelligence newsletters and close coordination between local and federal agencies.
The attack reached its peak with the arrests of five individuals. Jorge M. Chavez, 26 years old. Angel Omar Garcia, 30; Arturo Giulio Sanchez, 37; Victor Manuel Correa, 22, everything in North Hollywood. Jorge Valdivia, 26 years old, of Van Nuis. All were booked at the Ventura County Main Jail on felony charges including possession and transport of controlled substances for sale, methamphetamine-related crimes and criminal conspiracy.
Investigators recovered 12,000 counterfeit oxydone tablets mixed with 22 pounds of fentanyl, 19 pounds of methamphetamine, 4.5 pounds of heroin, 1 pound of cocaine and fentanyl. Authorities also seized $129,700 in cash suspected of being revenue from drug packaging materials, digital scales and drug sales.
(Commentary by Shimi Valley Police Station)
The DEA highlights the extreme dangers of fentanyl, estimating that just two milligrams are fatal. The 22 pounds seized during this surgery could pose roughly 5 million fatal doses, highlighting the important public health threats posed by these drugs. The overall street value of the seized drug is estimated at $1.4 million.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities pledge their continued efforts to disrupt drug trafficking networks and protect their communities from the devastating effects of opioid and stimulant abuse.
Source link