Press Release

Friday, June 16, 2023

PRESS RELEASE: Narcotics Investigation Leads to Major Seizure of Fentanyl

On June 15, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m., the Turlock Police Department Special Investigations Unit (S.I.U.) and Central Valley Gang Impact Taskforce (C.V.G.I.T.) executed a search warrant at the 1000 block of West Avenue South. Officers located and seized 24.75 pounds of powdered Fentanyl. Additionally, evidence of narcotic sales was found in the residence.

Chief Jason Hedden said, “This amount of fentanyl is capable of producing over 7 million fentanyl pills for distribution in communities. This poison has no place on our streets and we will continue to dismantle these operations until the message is clear that this is not welcomed or tolerated in Turlock.”

Per the California Drug Enforcement Agency’s (D.E.A.) website, fentanyl is a schedule two controlled substance that is similar to morphine but a hundred times more potent. The D.E.A. estimates that approximately one (1) kilo of fentanyl can kill 500,000 people. Last night’s warrant service resulted in eleven (11) kilos being seized, which could have potentially killed over 5 million people. Frank Romero, a 44-year-old Turlock resident, was arrested and booked for possession and intent to distribute a controlled substance.

Captain Pacheco said, “The dismantling of a major narcotics sales operation is yet another example of your police department’s relentless effort in keeping our neighborhoods safe. We want to thank the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office for providing air support for this operation. We could not be prouder of our staff and our partnering agencies.”

Turlock Police Department staff ask that anyone with information regarding this incident to call our Drug Line at (209) 668-5550 ext. 6117. You can also contact the Turlock Police Department’s Tip Line at (209) 668-5550 extension 6780 or email at tpdtipline@turlock.ca.us.

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at (209) 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.

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