Various CDCR divisions participated in months-long operation
In a monumental effort involving multiple agencies, Operation SLO Ride successfully disrupted a criminal organization operating in Tulare County.
The operation targeted drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession, resulting in 28 individuals being charged with serious offenses.
Seized during Operation SLO Ride:
- 936 pounds of methamphetamine
- 8.6 pounds of cocaine
- 5.5 pounds of heroin
- 5.5 pounds of fentanyl were seized during the operation.
- 50 firearms
- $600,000 in currency
The operation, which began in July 2023, utilized traditional investigative methods alongside modern tools such as wiretaps and surveillance to gather evidence.
This collaborative effort involved agencies like:
- Drug Enforcement Administration
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- local law enforcement units
DEA Special Agent in Charge Brian Clark emphasized the significance of strong partnerships and meticulous investigative work in dismantling such networks.
“The operation’s success hinged on the dedication of law enforcement officers who painstakingly pieced together evidence over thousands of hours,” said Clark.
The case underscores the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and the commitment of law enforcement to safeguard communities. If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences.
Multi-agency cooperation sees success
Operation SLO Ride exemplifies the effectiveness of multi-agency collaboration in tackling high-level criminal organizations. Through the combined efforts of law enforcement agencies, communities in the Eastern District of California, particularly in Tulare County, are safer from the threat posed by drug trafficking and firearm-related crimes.
“Our Crisis Response Teams showcased remarkable dedication and collaboration. Through their tireless efforts and in conjunction with other local and federal agencies, our department not only disrupted a big criminal network but also made our neighborhoods safer,” said Valley State Prison Warden (A) R. Morales. “The Crisis Response Teams’ role in this operation exemplifies the invaluable contribution of CDCR in ensuring the well-being of our communities.”
CDCR Operation SLO Ride participants:
- Crisis Response Team 8: Avenal State Prison/Pleasant Valley State Prison
- Crisis Response Team 11: Valley State Prison/Central California Women’s Facility
- Crisis Response Team 12: Salinas Valley State Prison/Correctional Training Facility
- Crisis Response Team 13: Kern Valley State Prison/North Kern State Prison/Wasco State Prison
- Crisis Response Team 10: Corcoran State Prison/Substance Abuse Treatment Facility
- Office of Correctional Safety, Special Service Unit, Fresno
- Valley State Prison’s Investigative Services Unit
Submitted by Lt. Humberto Gastelum
Valley State Prison
