On September, 21, 2017, the Marin County Major Crimes Task Force, Marin County District Attorney’s Office, DEA Santa Rosa, San Rafael Police Department, Sonoma County Task Force, Santa Rosa Task Force, DEA Oakland, Napa Task Force, Marin Sheriff’s Investigations, Marin County Probation Enforcement Unit (C.O.P.E), Novato Police Department, CHP Warrant Service, and the Richmond Task Force conducted an undercover operation which resulted in the arrest of (5) suspects and the recovery of approximately 5 pounds of cocaine and methamphetamine.  The suspects were identified as Armando Sanchez (36) from Petaluma, Maria Aleman (41) from San Rafael, Hugo Sanchez (29) from Petaluma, Otto Lopez (34) from San Rafael, and Wilmer Barrios (32) from San Rafael.

The Marin County Major Crimes Task Force received information that a number of mid-level drug dealers were distributing narcotics to several cities in Marin County and started a buy program in the canal area of San Rafael.  The Marin County Task Force made approximately 21 undercover purchases from nine separate individuals totaling two pounds of cocaine, six ounces of methamphetamines with a street value of $24,400.    

When Marin County Task Force identified the supplier of the drugs, a large narcotics transaction was arranged in the canal area of San Rafael.  Maria Aleman, Hugo Sanchez, and Armando Sanchez conducted the transaction with the Task Force agents and were immediately arrested.  During the arrest, approximately ¾ pound of cocaine was located in their vehicle along with several ounces of methamphetamine.  In connection to the investigation, four (4) search warrants were served in Marin and Sonoma County.    During a search of the Sanchez’ residence approximately 4.4 pounds of cocaine were located in a child’s bedroom.  A search of Aleman’s and Lopez' residence resulted in approximately 4 ounces of cocaine and $2000 in cash. At another location in the Canal of San Rafael, 3 ounces of cocaine, 1/8 ounce of methamphetamine were located along with $14,000 in cash and a handgun.

The Sanchez brothers, Aleman, Barrios and Lopez were booked for possession for sales, transportation for sales and conspiracy.  The investigation is on-going and other arrests may follow. We want to thank all the agencies that participated in this successful operation.

Contact:

Lt. Rudy Yamanoha

Office-415-884-4878

Email-R_Yamanoha@marinsheriff.org