Coachella Valley Task Force Arrests Desert Hot Springs Resident for Illegal Firearms and Drug Sales
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (GTF), supported by the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, executed a search warrant in Desert Hot Springs’ 66300 block of Avenue Suenos. The warrant was part of an ongoing investigation into alleged illegal sales of drugs and firearms. Authorities identified Alfonso Smith, a 58-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs, as the primary suspect in this operation.
During the warrant service, Smith was apprehended without resistance. Law enforcement officials discovered multiple firearms inside Smith’s residence, including an assault rifle, a non-serialized 9mm handgun, and Tannerite, alongside quantities of illegal narcotics. Smith was subsequently arrested and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on various charges related to weapons possession and drug trafficking.
The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force emphasized their commitment to enhancing community safety by targeting violent crime and gang-related activities. The investigation remains ongoing, and individuals with pertinent information are encouraged to contact the Gang Task Force directly or utilize anonymous reporting options through Valley Crimestoppers.
For media inquiries related to this incident, interested parties were directed to contact the Media Information Bureau for further details.
