6 Arrested in Raid Targeting San Fernando Valley Drug Ring

A police canine patrol walks in Los Angeles in a file photo. Jason Kirk/Getty Images

The arrests of two alleged members of a San Fernando Valley drug ring, coming a day after four of their suspected accomplices were nabbed, brought federal authorities closer to their goal of detaining all seven defendants in a federal drug trafficking indictment.

On Jan. 25, Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, of North Hollywood, and Oscar Melendez, 50, of Van Nuys became the latest to be held as part of a three-year investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Los Angeles Police Department.

A raid the previous day resulted in the arrests of Giselle Buraye, 23, of Van Nuys; Efren Meraz Jr., 35, of Sylmar; Max Roman-Betancourt, 41, of Sunland; and Esteban Armas, 36, of Panorama City, meaning at least six of the seven have been apprehended.

It’s unclear whether Robert Lavilette, 68, of Ventura, the last defendant in the indictment, has been found.

The suspects face charges of conspiracy to distribute narcotics.

“Powerfully addictive drugs such as fentanyl and methamphetamine devastate families and communities,” said U.S Attorney Martin Estrada in a statement. “With these charges we have dismantled a drug trafficking organization that put profits over people’s lives.”

The raid, conducted at five locations, yielded more than a dozen guns, 2 pounds of methamphetamine, $153,000, and other drugs.

Weapons seized in federal law enforcement actions are displayed at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) field office in Glendale, Calif., in a file photo. Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images

According to the indictment’s account of the operation, Ms. Buraye, Mr. Melendez, and Mr. Meraz obtained the fentanyl pills, methamphetamine, and cocaine.

Then, joined by Mr. Kyurkchian, they allegedly provided the drugs to Mr. Lavilette and Mr. Roman-Bentancourt, who sold them to users. Ms. Buraye and Mr. Melendez also sold the products, the indictment said, and Mr. Armas provided storage services.

A May 2022 search at Mr. Armas’ home yielded 5.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, 125 pounds of cocaine, and 24 pounds of methamphetamine, according to court documents.

Christopher Bombardiere, special agent for the ATF, said in a statement, “Stopping the illegal and highly dangerous flow of narcotics by this ring will make the Valley safer tonight.”

City News Service contributed to this report.