RIVERSIDE, Calif.
Three people were arrested Friday following a federal indictment charging 10 individuals in a scheme to smuggle fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin into a Riverside County jail, officials stated.
The operation allegedly involved gang members using drug couriers who deliberately got arrested to deliver narcotics hidden in body cavities.
The remaining seven defendants were already in custody at the time of the indictment.
Authorities say the conspiracy was led by Andrew Jesus Ayala, 46, of Riverside, in coordination with members of a local street gang. The plot involved jailed defendants seeking drugs, facilitators on the outside, and couriers who concealed narcotics internally to bypass jail security, officials stated.
The scheme reportedly began before 2022 and continued into late that year. In one instance, a courier was caught after jail staff detected 1¾ ounces of methamphetamine during an X-ray screening.
The suspects also allegedly planned to smuggle fentanyl-laced pills into jail, where they could be sold for up to 10 times their street value.
“This kind of smuggling endangers inmates and deputies alike,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph McNally, who praised the FBI and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for their efforts.
Sheriff Chad Bianco called the collaboration with federal agencies essential, noting that fentanyl-related overdoses and emergencies have surged in county jails.
All 10 defendants face conspiracy charges to distribute methamphetamine, which carries a minimum five-year sentence and up to 40 years in federal prison. Nine are also charged with possession with intent to distribute.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
The FBI and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department are leading the investigation. Prosecutors Peter Dahlquist and Erin Kiss of the Riverside U.S. Attorney’s Office are handling the case.