E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
Three individuals were arrested in Riverside, California, following a federal grand jury indictment alleging their involvement in a narcotics smuggling operation into a county jail. The scheme reportedly involved concealing drugs within people who intentionally got arrested to deliver the contraband.
These arrests are part of an indictment that names ten defendants accused of smuggling fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin into the detention facility. Some defendants were already in custody prior to this development.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph McNally commented on the situation: “Drug smuggling endangers the lives of inmates and the sheriff’s deputies who are sworn to guard them.” He expressed gratitude towards the FBI and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for their efforts in addressing this issue.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco emphasized the importance of collaboration with federal law enforcement agencies for public safety. He stated, “The smuggling of drugs into our jails, particularly with the emergence of fentanyl, has dramatically increased inmate deaths and medical emergencies within our corrections division.”
The alleged conspiracy was led by Andrew Jesus Ayala from Riverside and involved members of a local street gang. They collaborated with incarcerated individuals seeking narcotics, facilitators outside prison, and at least one drug mule who concealed drugs internally.
The indictment describes a scheme dating back to an unspecified time until late 2022 when intercepted calls revealed attempts to introduce narcotics into a Riverside County facility. The ring leaders arranged housing for mules before and after their arrest while attempting to evade detection by X-ray scanners.
One notable incident in late 2022 involved a defendant trying to smuggle methamphetamine internally; however, it was intercepted via X-ray upon custody entry. The conspirators allegedly discussed introducing fentanyl-laced pills intended for sale at significantly higher prices inside the jail.
All ten defendants face charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, which could result in sentences ranging from five years to 40 years in federal prison. Nine defendants also face additional charges related to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
This case is under investigation by the FBI and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Peter Dahlquist and Erin C. Kiss are handling prosecution duties.
