Fourteen arrested in NorCal drug bust

SAN FRANCISCO (Map, News) - A multiagency criminal investigation started two years ago due to the work of a San Francisco drug enforcement officer culminated in the arrests of 14 people in the Bay Area and Central Valley on heroin trafficking-related charges during early morning raids Wednesday.

More than 500 law enforcement agents raided properties across the Bay Area and Central Valley, using 28 search warrants, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Less than three pounds of heroin was seized during the raids, said the DOJ, which said those arrested were believed to have been able to distribute between 50 pounds and 100 pounds of heroin per month.

Two pounds of marijuana, an ounce of crystal methamphetamine, an ounce of cocaine, an ounce of crack cocaine, three vehicles, 21 weapons and $11,800 were also seized, the DOJ said.

Investigators said 40 people were arrested in the two-year investigation, including 14 who were arrested Wednesday during the raids and three more separate arrests. Two suspects were slain during the investigation, investigators said.

Investigators on Wednesday said two gangs distributed Mexican-sourced tar heroin out of the Central Valley.

San Francisco police Chief Heather Fong credited Inspector Carl Bonner, from The City’s drug enforcement task force, with uncovering information in 2005 that led to the arrests.

“The willingness to say, ‘Let’s reach out to our partners, let’s look into this matter,’ led to this two-year investigation,” Fong said Wednesday.

The U.S. Internal Revenue Service, U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Francisco Police Department and Oakland Police Department were involved in the investigation.

Examiner Staff Writer Dave Smith contributed to this report.

jupton@examiner.com