Authorities seized 16,500 fentanyl pills and 72 pounds of methamphetamine during a monthslong narcotics investigation that produced three arrests, according to the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office.
In addition, the sheriff’s office reported seizing 83 pounds of processed marijuana, two handguns $5,481 in cash and two meth conversion labs.
The San Joaquin County Metro Narcotics Task Force served search warrants Wednesday at four locations in collaboration with authorities in Stockton and Tracy, the sheriff’s office said.
The sheriff’s office identified the men arrested as Jose Villegas-Urrea, on suspicion of offenses including possession of more 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, fentanyl manufacturing, and possession while armed with a firearm; Jose Garcia-Soto, on suspicion of possession and manufacturing of controlled substances, including methamphetamine and fentanyl; and Alfredo Contreras Balbuena, on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sale, controlled substances and and destruction of evidence.
Separately, deputies reported seizing eight kilograms of fentanyl during a vehicle search for a violation Tuesday near Mariposa Road and Highway 99 in Stockton. The driver, Francisco Eduardo Sandoval-Baez, was arrested on suspicion of narcotics-related offenses and booked into San Joaquin County Jail, the sheriff’s office said.
1 March 2025
