The Santa Rosa Police Department has reported the arrest of a suspect in possession of counterfeit Xanax pills, believed to be laced with deadly fentanyl, and several weapons violations, a development that underscores ongoing concerns about public safety and illicit drug usage.

An early September narcotics investigation targeting the distribution of counterfeit Xanax pills led to the apprehension of 35-year-old Felix Miguel Alvarado. Alvarado was arrested without incident yesterday, following a surveillance operation, as he left his residence on Nason Street in Santa Rosa. Pursuant to a search warrant, the SRPD Narcotics Team and Patrol officers then conducted a vehicle search.

This search yielded approximately 45 counterfeit Xanax pills suspected to contain the lethal drug, fentanyl. A subsequent search warrant executed at Alvarado's Beaver Street apartment revealed an additional 250 counterfeit Xanax pills, a loaded .44 magnum revolver, 14 grams of suspected cocaine, packaging materials, and a digital scale, reads the Santa Rosa Police Department statement.

Alvarado is a convicted felon, legally barred from owning firearms or ammunition. His previous conviction was for a violent felony, with an added enhancement due to the presence of a firearm during the incident.

The evidence found resulted in Alvarado being incarcerated in the Sonoma County Jail on multiple charges, with bail set at $150,000.00. The charges lodged against him include Possession and Transportation of Narcotics for Sale, Felon in Possession of Ammunition and a Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with Prior Violent Felony Conviction, and Possessing a Loaded Firearm Whilst Marketing Narcotics.