June 12, 2026 – Yuba County Sheriff's Office officials report that following a lengthy and extensive investigation, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) have dismantled a significant drug trafficking network responsible for supplying cocaine to members and associates of the Norteño criminal street gang operating throughout the Yuba-Sutter region.
During the investigation, authorities identified multiple drug trafficking organizations with ties to the Sinaloa Cartel that were allegedly supplying cocaine to members and associates of the Norteñto criminal street gang.
On June 9, 2026, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and DEA launched a coordinated enforcement operation, executing multiple federal search warrants simultaneously across Yuba County and Sacramento County. The operation involved numerous federal, state, and local law enforcement personnel and marked the culmination of months of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and investigative work.
As a result of the operation, authorities seized nearly 30 pounds of cocaine, dismantled an indoor marijuana cultivation operation containing nearly 1,000 marijuana plants, seized five firearms, and arrested 12 individuals on state and federal charges.
Federal indictments were obtained for the following individuals:
- Hector Lopez-Rivas, of Sacramento
- Gonzalo Lopez, of Sacramento
- Ivan Rojas-Rincon, of Marysville
- Fredy Dominguez-Zapien, of Olivehurst
- Javier Alvarez, of Yuba City
- Henry Gomez, of Yuba City
- Jesus Vega, of Yuba City
- Julian Ayala, of Palermo
- Marcus Rubio, of Yuba City
The following individuals were arrested on state charges:
- Aaron Powar, of Yuba City
- Alexis Medina-Munoz, of Olivehurst
- Teresita Rodriguez-Aguirre, of Sacramento
Investigators believe the disruption of this trafficking network will have a significant impact on the flow of cocaine into Yuba and Sutter counties and will hinder the ability of criminal street gangs to profit from the sale of dangerous narcotics.
The success of this investigation is the direct result of strong partnerships between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Through intelligence sharing, coordinated enforcement efforts, and a shared commitment to public safety, investigators were able to identify key individuals involved in this criminal enterprise and bring them before the justice system.
While this enforcement action represents a significant victory, the Yuba County Sheriff's Office and DEA emphasize that efforts to combat gang activity and drug trafficking in the region remain ongoing. Additional arrests and enforcement actions may follow as the investigation continues.
The charges and allegations referenced in this release are accusations only. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Source & photos: Yuba County Sheriff's Office