Major Narcotics

NET prosecutors and investigators assist and prosecute cases generated by both local law enforcement and various multi-agency task forces which target large scale Drug Trafficking Organizations (DTO’s”).  

These cases include but are not limited to; 

• International controlled deliveries 
• Smuggling via commercial shipping 
• Both international and interstate transportation and distribution of large amounts of illegal controlled substances

In many instances the NET Unit is involved in long-term investigations involving shipments to and from multiple jurisdictions and both state and federal investigative agencies.

The NET Unit also handles the forfeiture of assets utilized in drug sales, manufacturing, and transportation cases.

Forfeiture is the uncompensated seizing of property illegally used or obtained.  The purpose of California’s asset forfeiture statutes (Health & Safety Code 11469 et seq.) is to enable the government to strip drug dealers of their operating tools and economic base.       

In order to seize and forfeit property, the property must be; 

• Either contraband, property that was exchanged for narcotics 
• Proceeds traceable to a narcotics violation 
• Or property which facilitates the narcotics trade  

Assets can take the form of controlled substances, manufacturing materials, containers, records, real property, or conveyances (such as vehicles, boats, or airplanes.)

Narcotics related asset forfeiture cases are litigated in civil court.  Any and all legal claims of interest must be filed within 30 days of the date seized and in the correct civil venue.  If the forfeiture case cannot be settled between the respective parties, the Claimant has the right to request a jury trial to settle the issue.  To prevail, the District Attorney must prove the property is subject to forfeiture beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Orange County District Attorney takes the seizure of property seriously and therefore ensures that all asset forfeiture proceedings are conducted in a lawful and ethical manner.  Every effort is made to protect innocent owners from seizure and forfeiture.

CASE 1

Police officers conducted a stop of a vehicle driven by defendant’s girlfriend and containing passenger defendant. Police k-9 issued a positive alert to the vehicle and a subsequent search revealed approximately 50 lbs. of methamphetamine, over 5 lbs. of fentanyl, a stolen firearm and a high capacity magazine containing 10 live rounds. Defendant was convicted of possessing over 20 kilograms of methamphetamine and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition and sentenced to 18 years and 8 months in State Prison.

CASE 2

Defendants are common law husband and wife, who were driving a vehicle containing, 6 pounds of cocaine and 1 pound of methamphetamine and their 3 year old child. Further investigation yielded an additional 16 pounds of cocaine, 18 pounds of heroin, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, 2 rifles and $25k – all within their residence, along with 3 additional children, ages: 17, 13 and 9.Defendants were convicted and sentenced to 10 years State Prison and 8 years State Prison respectively.

CASE 3

Officers arranged for a purchase of 30 pounds of methamphetamine from defendant. In his home, defendant has an additional 76 pounds of methamphetamine. Defendant tells the officers that the drugs are sent to him from Mexico and he is paid to deliver them. Defendant was convicted and sentenced to 8 years OCJ followed by 4 additional years on mandatory supervision.

CASE 4

Defendant was stopped in Orange County after crossing the U.S -Mexico border in the early a.m. hours Defendant has 90 pounds of methamphetamine and 14 pounds of cocaine in car bumpers and near gas tank. Defendant was convicted and sentenced to 8 years OCJ followed by 4 years on mandatory supervision.