Speaking at the Stockton Police Department, U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott, left, announces the arrest of eight people involved in a high-level narcotics organization. (Casey Freeman/News-Sentinel)

Largest drug ring in Valley busted; 8 arrested

STOCKTON -- United States Attorney McGregor Scott called the arrest of eight area residents March 10 the end of one of the biggest drug distribution rings in the Central Valley.

"This was a large-scale operation," Scott said during a press conference Tuesday at the Stockton Police Department.

After a five-year investigation, federal, state and local law enforcement agencies arrested several members of the Curiel family. Agents served a series of search warrants in Stockton and one in Lodi.

Arrested in the police sting were Sergio Curiel Sr., 49, Celina Curiel, 44, Sergio Curiel Jr., 25, Jose Luis Curiel, 22, Eduardo Curiel, 21, Jesus Tamayo Tamayo, 49, Teresa Isodoria, 50 and Raquel Montenez Alcazar, 30, all of Stockton.

The group was considered to be members of the largest and longest-running methamphetamine and cocaine distribution ring in the Valley, Scott said.

Each defendant faces the possibility of life imprisonment after being charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

During their search warrants, officers seized 18 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 22 pounds of cocaine, nine firearms and nearly $300,000 in cash.

Assisting in the investigation were members of the San Joaquin County Sheriff's Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force.

Capt. Armando Mayoya said members of his team conducted around-the-clock surveillance of the suspects, acting on information provided by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Officers seized 18 pounds of crystal methamphetamine, 22 pounds of cocaine, nine firearms and nearly $300,000 in cash after a multi-agency investigation by the FBI, DEA, San Joaquin County Metropolitan Narcotics Task Force and the Stockton Police Department. (Casey Freeman/News-Sentinel)

"They performed long, grinding tough work," San Joaquin County Sheriff Robert Heidelbach said. "It resulted in an effort that will make a big impact in San Joaquin County and Stockton."

The defendants are accused of moving large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine into California from super drug labs in Mexico. The drugs were reportedly distributed across California and a number of western states.

"This is a major accomplishment by law enforcement," Scott said.

The Curiel drug ring gained the attention of law enforcement after the arrest of numerous drug dealers in San Joaquin County. Those arrested for distribution in the county told authorities that they were working with the Curiel family.

"They said that guy (Sergio Curiel Sr.) was supplying them," Scott said.

Also instrumental in the investigation was information obtained through wiretaps.

Information from those calls and surveillance led agents to the seizure of 12 pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine and two firearms from a vehicle used to transport drugs from Southern California on March 4.

In a search March 10, agents recovered an additional 6 pounds of suspected crystal methamphetamine, 22 pounds of cocaine, seven firearms and nearly $300,000.

Scott said he plans to seek federal grand jury indictments for the defendants, as well as identify other associates within the Curiel drug organization.

Each defendant is currently being held without bail in the Sacramento County Jail.