An Oakland man faces more than four years behind bars for dealing deadly drugs on the streets of San Francisco's Tenderloin district, officials announced. Fernando Aguilar, 31, was convicted on charges of possession for sale of fentanyl and methamphetamine, both felonies. San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins praised the jury's decision, tagging Aguilar as responsible for "peddling death on our streets."
In a statement obtained by the San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Jenkins underscored her commitment, "My office will continue to do everything we can, in partnership with all levels of government, to curb the unabashed drug dealing that has wreaked havoc in neighborhoods." Aguilar's arrest last July resulted from vigilant police work during a spotting operation. Officers nabbed Aguilar with 88.5 grams of fentanyl, 9.9 grams of meth, and $635 in cash.
Assistant District Attorney Henry Gage III led the prosecution. Assistant District Attorney Henry Gage III issued a stern warning for those looking to deal drugs in the city. "San Franciscans are willing and able to hold fentanyl dealers accountable for their actions," he said, "Anyone who thinks they can come to this city and peddle poison should reconsider," according to the San Francisco District Attorney's Office.
San Francisco's DA's office has ramped up its efforts against drug crimes, filing the most felony narcotics cases since 2018. Over the past year, the total filings and convictions have significantly increased. However, challenges persist as hundreds of individuals with open bench warrants for narcotics sales cases remain at large. Out of custody defendants fail to appear in court, leading to many bench warrant statuses.
Aguilar, currently in custody, awaits his sentencing on March 4. His case puts a spotlight on the pervasive issue of drug dealing in San Francisco and the ongoing efforts of the justice system to stem this tide. The jury's verdict and the subsequent conviction underscores a community's intolerance for those who inundate the streets with substances that contribute significantly to the scourge of addiction and crime.
