Riverside, CA (MSN) – Ten individuals have been indicted in connection with an alleged scheme by street gang members to smuggle drugs into a Riverside County detention facility, according to the Department of Justice.

How the Scheme Worked

Federal prosecutors allege that the defendants concealed fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin inside individuals who deliberately got arrested to transport the contraband into the jail.

The indictment, unsealed Friday, states that the operation was led by Andrew Jesus Ayala, 46, along with members of a Riverside-based street gang. They allegedly coordinated with three inmates who sought narcotics, outside facilitators, and at least one drug mule who hid the substances in a body cavity.

According to investigators, the scheme continued until late 2022, when law enforcement intercepted phone calls revealing their activities. In one case, a defendant attempted to smuggle 1¾ ounces of methamphetamine inside his body, but the drugs were detected on an X-ray machine when he was taken into custody.

Arrests and Charges

Authorities arrested three suspects Friday, while the remaining defendants were already in custody. All 10 defendants face federal charges and could receive sentences ranging from five to 40 years in prison if convicted.

Additional Details from the Indictment

• The ringleaders allegedly arranged temporary housing for drug mules before and after their staged arrests.
• The group planned to sell fentanyl-laced pills inside the jail at 10 times the street price.

Official Response

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco emphasized the dangers of smuggling drugs into jails, particularly fentanyl.

“The smuggling of drugs into our jails, particularly with the emergence of fentanyl, has dramatically increased inmate deaths and medical emergencies within our corrections division. I commend the sheriff’s investigators and FBI agents who worked tirelessly on this case to ensure those responsible were identified and brought to justice. We will continue to partner with federal agents in our ongoing efforts to keep Riverside County safe.”  

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

The case remains under investigation as law enforcement continues efforts to curb contraband trafficking in detention facilities.