BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — Juan Antonio Medina, a 37-year-old Chico resident, was arrested on Thursday after a comprehensive investigation by the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) and the Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) of the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. Medina is accused of trafficking a large amount of fentanyl into Butte County.
The investigation led authorities to secure a search warrant for Medina’s vehicle and two associated residences. On Thursday morning, agents observed Medina walking away from his vehicle near Park Avenue and East Park Avenue in Chico. He was safely detained, along with a female companion.
A search of Medina’s vehicle revealed nearly a pound of fentanyl, methamphetamine, a loaded handgun, digital scales, a police scanner, and other evidence related to fentanyl trafficking.
The investigation continued with searches at 1150 Green St. in Willows, where Medina was known to frequent. Although multiple individuals, including children, were detained, no arrests were made at this location.
Agents also searched 2265 Maclovia Ave. in Chico, where Medina was associated with an apartment. A cell phone was seized, but no further arrests occurred.
In total, authorities seized over 439 grams of fentanyl, methamphetamine, a loaded 9mm handgun, ammunition, digital scales, packaging materials, and a police scanner.
Medina has been transported to the Butte County Jail on multiple charges, including:
Transportation and possession of fentanyl for sale
Transportation of fentanyl across county lines
Felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition
Possession of methamphetamine
Use of a police scanner to aid in criminal activity
With the recent approval of Proposition 36, Medina faces the possibility of an extended state prison sentence if convicted, due to the extensive nature of his fentanyl trafficking operations. Authorities are continuing their efforts to disrupt the distribution of fentanyl, a substance that poses a serious threat to public safety.
