Authorities in San Francisco have slapped cuffs on a trio of Oakland residents, charging them with running a narcotics operation. Patricia Cruz-Ramirez, 21, Marvin Licona, 33, and Luis Velasquez, 34, each pleaded not guilty to charges of drug trafficking and possession, the San Francisco District Attorney's Office revealed.
In a crackdown on the city's open-air drug markets, District Attorney Brooke Jenkins commended multiple law enforcement agencies for their collaborative efforts. "I would like to thank the San Francisco Police, California Army National Guard, and all of the federal, state, and local law enforcement entities working together to fight narcotics traffickers and close open air drug markets in our city," Jenkins said, according to a statement. She asserted that “Every legal resource available to us must be used to deter and disrupt the flagrant drug trafficking in our community."
On February 27, the suspects were apprehended after a traffic stop led to the discovery of over 500 grams of fentanyl in their vehicle. The bust was part of an extensive operation by San Francisco Police, who also uncovered over $71,000 in a home linked to the suspects.
As the case moves to the preliminary hearing set for March 13, prosecution is pushing for detainment due to the significant public safety risk posed by the defendants. Bail has been set at $100,000 for Cruz-Ramirez and Licona, while Velasquez is held with no bail option. Despite the charges, officials have stressed that this is an active investigation and urge anyone with information to reach out to the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line.
