The Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department Special Investigative Unit (SIU) conducted an investigation that led to a search warrant being served on Chancellor Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 26. There were several arrests made including residents of Riverbank and Modesto. Authorities seized nine firearms, 52 pounds of methamphetamine, 1 kilo of fentanyl powder, 10,000 fentanyl pills, and 1,000 multi-colored fentanyl pills.
The bright multi-colored fentanyl pills also known as “rainbow fentanyl” are a concern throughout the country as drug dealers are targeting the youth. The United States DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) noted in a press release that the public should be aware of a trend of colorful fentanyl that has been found in 26 states. In addition, the release stated, “this trend appears to be a new method used by drug cartels to sell highly addictive and potentially deadly fentanyl made to look like candy to children and young people. Brightly-colored fentanyl is being seized in multiple forms, including pills, powder, and blocks that resembles sidewalk chalk.” For the full DEA report, visit: https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2022/08/30/dea-warns-brightly-colored-fentanyl-used-target-young-americans.
In a Facebook post by Stanislaus County Sheriff Jeff Dirkse last week he noted, “Still think they don’t market fentanyl to kids? Not sure why they’d have Woody on there if they didn’t.” Along with the post were pictures and some of the bags confiscated had a picture of Woody from Toy Story on them.
Police reported the arrests of: Powell Kennedy, 32; Raychan Masenburge, 28; Cesar Valdez, 25; Prospero Macias-Vera, 23; Juan Felix, 32; and Cesar Felix, 27.
“Thanks to the hard work by SIU these dangerous drugs are off the streets,” stated Riverbank Police Services Chief Ed Ridenour. “Fentanyl is several times more powerful than heroin and has led to an increase in deaths in our community and across the nation. It is even more scary to see colored fentanyl pills as these appear to target our youth. We ask parents to share the dangers of drugs with their kids and explain that just one use can lead to death.”
Visit https://stancountyrxsafety.org/en/ to learn more about the danger of fentanyl.
