Federal authorities have arrested 16 individuals linked to a major drug trafficking ring based in Escondido, California. The suspects are charged with distributing methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and Adderall, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.
The arrests took place on Tuesday following the execution of 16 search warrants across multiple locations, including Escondido, San Diego, Orange County, and Roanoke, Virginia. The operation, which lasted 16 months, culminated in the seizure of over 116 pounds of methamphetamine, more than two kilograms of fentanyl, large quantities of cocaine and Adderall, as well as nine firearms, body armor, and ammunition.
Hector Armando Espinoza and Demetrius Collins, aka “Demo,” are identified as the leaders of the operation. Authorities used wiretaps and undercover operations to reveal how they coordinated large-scale drug sales and directed their associates in distributing narcotics.
In January and February of 2024, Collins was reportedly involved in facilitating methamphetamine and fentanyl transactions with an undercover agent, selling more than nine pounds of meth and 6,500 fentanyl pills. Collins arranged payments through co-conspirator Alexis Amezquita and mailed the drugs, which Espinoza supplied.
Espinoza, under surveillance, allegedly evaded law enforcement by moving a tracking device from his car to another vehicle and shifted distribution duties to associates, including Detavius Jones Corteze, aka “Tay Tay,” and Tracie Shean.
The defendants, ranging from 20 to 51 years old, hail from various cities in California, including Escondido, San Diego, Irvine, Oceanside, National City, and Cardiff. They face charges of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, drug trafficking, and money laundering. If convicted, they could face sentences of up to life in prison and fines up to $10 million.
