OAKLAND — Two suspected drug traffickers are in custody as a result of an undercover federal investigation. The pair is accused of selling heroin and methamphetamine acquired from Mexico.
Their arrests stem from an investigation initiated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. That inquiry began in July and the first two suspects were arrested about two weeks ago.
For about four months, law enforcement conducted an extensive surveillance operation. DEA agents monitored cell phones and made undercover purchases of illicit drugs to build a case.
The suspects purportedly had several conversations with undercover agents concerning large purchases of drugs. Eventually, agents were able to arrange purchases of illicit drugs in Oakland, Emeryville and Daly City.
Both suspects allegedly worked together, and with other individuals involved in international drug trafficking. One of the suspects apprehended is believed responsible for handling the money collected from drug sales.
Altogether, undercover agents were able to purchase more than one pound of heroin and approximately the same amount of methamphetamine.
On November 30, authorities moved on the two suspects in Oakland. They arrested 43-year-old Dennis R. Magana, and 32-year-old Vanessa Cabrera.
Both suspects remain in custody, but at separate Alameda County detention facilities. Magana is being held at Glenn Dyer Jail in Oakland, while Cabrera is being housed at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.
Magana and Cabrera each faces federal charges for attempt and conspiracy to sell illegal drugs. Both individuals were denied bail for release any time soon.
