Two men from Los Angeles County were charged for drug trafficking in a federal court after a high-speed chase in Fresno County.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant announced that Kevin Guzman and Julian Alcantara-Aguirre were both charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. Alcantara-Aguirre faces an additional charge of assault on a federal officer.
Driving the news: Guzman and Alcantara-Aguirre were travelling from Los Angeles County to Fresno on Jan. 22 to carry out a planned sale of 5 kilograms of fentanyl.
- They fled when they spotted law enforcement officers in the area.
- As they attempted to escape, Alcantara-Aguirre rammed their vehicle into multiple government vehicles occupied by DEA agents and then led agents on a high-speed chase along Highways 99 and 180.
- Guzman and Alcantara-Aguirre eventually stopped and fled on foot, leading to their capture.
- Officers recovered around 5 kilograms of fentanyl that Guzman and Alcantara-Aguirre threw from their vehicle.
What they’re saying: “Fentanyl is a poison in this District and throughout the nation,” Grant said. “In coordination with DEA and our local and state law enforcement partners, this Office will vigorously prosecute those who traffic in that poison. And we will not tolerate violent assaults on federal officers who steadfastly enforce our drug laws.”
- “The men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration are dedicated to saving lives,” said Special Agent in Charge Bob P. Beris of the DEA San Francisco Field Division. “As part of DEA’s Fentanyl Free America Campaign, this operation targeted large scale fentanyl dealers, peddling poison in our communities. There is no doubt this seizure saved lives. We are thankful for our law enforcement partners that worked with us on this operation.”
What we’re watching: The defendants face 10 years to life in prison if convicted of the conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, as well as a $10 million fine.
- Alcantara-Aguirre also faces a maximum of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine if convicted of assault on a federal officer.
