Sheriff John Zanoni | Official website
Sheriff John Zanoni | Official website
Narcotics detectives with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office have arrested 21-year-old Jose Araujo-Valenzuela of Sinaloa, Mexico.
Araujo-Valenzuela has been booked into the Fresno County Jail on charges of possession of narcotics for sale. His bail is set at $230,000.
On Tuesday, detectives made a traffic violation stop on a vehicle traveling along Interstate 5 in Fresno County. K-9 ‘Gere’ picked up a scent of narcotics and alerted detectives. A search of the vehicle revealed two dozen packages the driver was attempting to hide. They contained 240,000 fentanyl-laced pills commonly known as M-30s and one kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of cocaine. The total street value is estimated to be one million dollars. Detectives seized the drugs for evidence and destruction.
This large amount of narcotics is consistent with the work of drug trafficking organizations. The case is being submitted for consideration of federal prosecution.
If you are aware of any type of illegal drug activity, report it anonymously by calling the Narcotics Hotline at 1-800-660-1086 or emailing: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. You may also contact Crime Stoppers at (559) 498-7867 or visit www.valleycrimestoppers.org. You will remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.
K-9 Gere with Seized Drugs
Suspect: Jose Araujo-Valenzuela