Four arrested, over 10 pounds of fentanyl pills seized in Modesto drug bust
A multi-agency operation in Modesto led to the arrest of four people and the seizure of more than 10 pounds of fentanyl-laced counterfeit pills disguised as prescription oxycodone, police announced Friday.
Investigators with the Modesto Narcotics Enforcement Team and the FBI served multiple search warrants across the city on May 29 following a joint probe into local drug trafficking. Authorities said the operation targeted individuals involved in distributing counterfeit M30 pills — fake oxycodone tablets often containing the potent synthetic opioid fentanyl.
The pills, which mimic legitimate medications in appearance, are illegally manufactured and have been tied to a sharp rise in overdose deaths nationwide, including in Stanislaus County over recent years.
In total, officials said they seized more than 10 pounds of M30 pills and over 11 pounds of chemical powder used to produce the drugs.
Four men were arrested, including one in Bakersfield who will be extradited to Stanislaus County for prosecution. The suspects face charges ranging from possession of controlled substances with intent to sell to criminal conspiracy and drug house operation.
The suspects are:
Fernando Sanchez Galindo, 39, of Modesto
Arturo Garcia, 46, of Modesto
Randon Foreman, 31, of Modesto
Oliver Lopez, 38, of Bakersfield
Authorities said bail was set at a combined $7 million.
“This operation removed a significant amount of deadly drugs from our community,” Modesto police said in a statement, thanking the Kern County High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Task Force, Turlock Police Department, Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office and the Stanislaus County Probation Department for their assistance.
The investigation remains ongoing.
