Dozens of law-enforcement officers fanned out across three counties last week to bust a suspected methamphetamine trafficking ring, arresting seven people — including a Woodland man alleged to have been the ringleader.
The four-month investigation led by the Yuba/Sutter Narcotic Enforcement Team (NET-5) culminated Thursday with search warrants being served at seven locations, two of which were in Woodland. Agents arrested three people at homes in the 1900 block of Hecke Drive and the 1300 block of Betty Avenue.
Jose Mauricio Soto-Guzman and Jose Alfredo Soto-Guzman, who are brothers, and Daniela Santa-Ana were lodged at the Yolo County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, Net-5 Agent Brandon Spear said. The brothers also were placed in immigration holds and face federal charges for immigration-related offenses, he added.
All three were arraigned Monday and are due back in court Dec. 31 for further proceedings, according to online court records. Spear said Jose Mauricio Soto-Guzman is the suspected ringleader of the drug operation.
The additional arrests took place in Yuba and Sutter counties, where search warrants were served at five locations. According to Spear, agents seized a total of 1 1/4 pounds of methamphetamine and 1 1/2 pounds of cocaine, as well as $105,000 in cash. About $89,000 was taken from the Woodland homes, he said.
The Yolo County Narcotic Enforcement Team also participated in last week’s bust, Spear said.