Federal authorities have unsealed two indictments in San Diego, charging 16 individuals linked to an Escondido-based drug trafficking network. The group is accused of distributing significant amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, and Adderall.
In a coordinated operation, over 150 law enforcement officials executed 16 search warrants across various locations including Escondido, San Diego, Orange County, and Roanoke, Virginia. This effort resulted in the arrest of all defendants involved.
The investigation spanned 16 months and led to the seizure of more than two kilograms of fentanyl and over 53 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, substantial quantities of cocaine and Adderall were confiscated along with firearms and ammunition.
Charges include drug trafficking and conspiracy to distribute controlled substances as well as conspiracy to commit money laundering offenses. Acting U.S. Attorney Andrew Haden stated: “This group was flooding our community with methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl and prescription pills—drugs that tear families apart and put lives at risk.”
Shawn Gibson from HSI San Diego commented on the case's impact: “This case is a direct hit against a dangerous drug trafficking network that has been flooding our communities with deadly narcotics.”
Escondido Police Lieutenant Ryan Hicks emphasized the importance of federal support: “We can successfully conduct these investigations through crucial support from the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our other federal partnerships.”
San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez highlighted collaboration efforts: “We value the collaboration with our federal, state and local partners to combat the fentanyl crisis in San Diego.”
According to unsealed search warrants, undercover operations revealed Hector Armando Espinoza and Demetrius Collins as leaders coordinating large-scale distribution efforts. Undercover agents conducted controlled purchases involving significant quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sean Van Demark and Sarah Akhtar are prosecuting this case alongside Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Sterling Winchester.
The investigation was led by special agents from the Fentanyl Abatement Suppression Team (FAST), a multiagency task force established in August 2022 focusing on dismantling criminal organizations smuggling fentanyl within San Diego County.