By Redacción
redaccion@latinocc.com
District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced that four Los Angeles County men have been formally charged in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation accused of delivering fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine into Ventura County.
The defendants, identified as Jorge Humberto Valdivia, 26; Angel Omar Azpeitia Garcia, 30; Jorge Arturo Marquez Chavez, 27; and Victor Manuel Otero Correa, 22, all of North Hollywood, were arraigned on Aug. 11, 2025, in Ventura County Superior Court. They face multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit a crime, possession of controlled substances for sale, and transportation of methamphetamine. Prosecutors also filed special allegations tied to Proposition 36, which introduced enhanced penalties for trafficking large quantities of narcotics when it took effect in December 2024.
Authorities said the investigation began in March 2024, when Simi Valley Police narcotics detectives received information about a sophisticated drug trafficking network allegedly operating across Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino counties. Detectives later identified vehicles believed to be making daily trips into Ventura County to distribute narcotics. On Aug. 7, 2025, officers with the Simi Valley Police Department, assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, carried out coordinated search warrants at several locations in Los Angeles County.
The searches resulted in the seizure of nearly 24 pounds of fentanyl, close to 19 pounds of methamphetamine, more than 4 pounds of heroin, and about a pound of cocaine. Investigators also found packaging materials, digital scales, and more than $129,000 in cash. The drugs had an estimated street value of $1.4 million. According to officials, the fentanyl seized represents the equivalent of 5 million potentially lethal doses.
Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger, from the Major Crimes Narcotics Unit, is prosecuting the case. She emphasized that fentanyl remains one of the deadliest drugs circulating in California. Just two milligrams can be fatal, and Ventura County continues to see the devastating toll it takes on residents. In 2024, the county reported 200 overdose deaths, 113 of which involved fentanyl.
All four defendants pled not guilty at their initial court appearance. They are due back in court on Aug. 20, 2025, for an early disposition conference. Each remains in custody on $250,000 bail.
Officials encouraged the public to learn more about the dangers of fentanyl, resources for people struggling with addiction, and how to access overdose rescue kits at ThinkAgainVC.com.
