MADERA COUNTY — A significant narcotics operation was halted in Madera County, with the seizure of 80 pounds of methamphetamine. This major bust led to the arrest of two Southern California men, Juan Salgado, 41, and Fernando Rascon, 39. Both face multiple felony charges, including sales, distribution, and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They are currently in Madera County jail.
Task Force Secures Arrests
Madera County Sheriff’s Office
The discovery occurred during a vehicle search by the Madera County Narcotic Enforcement Team (MADNET). The team includes members from the Madera County Sheriff’s Office, Probation, and District Attorney’s Office, alongside the California Department of Justice and the Fresno County High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT).
This case is a collaborative effort under the High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Initiative (HIDTA). It involves multiple agencies, including the FBI, Fresno Police Department, California Highway Patrol, and other regional offices. These teams focus on dismantling drug trafficking operations in California’s Central Valley.
Officials Praise Operation
Madera County Sheriff Tyson Pogue praised the joint operation.
Sheriff Tyson Pogue
“MADNET, DOJ, Fresno HIIT, and all our allied agencies worked as one team to disrupt a major narcotics trafficking effort, taking 80 pounds of meth off our streets and taking two suspects into custody,” said Sheriff Pogue.
He continued, “This seizure means safer neighborhoods for Madera County families and is a prime example of the results we can achieve when we stand united to keep our community safe.”
California Attorney General Bonta also highlighted the impact of the operation.
“Today, we are sending a strong message that crime cannot stand up to the power of good law enforcement work,” he stated.
The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California will be pursuing federal prosecution of Salgado. This underscores the gravity of the offenses and highlights inter-agency cooperation in combating drug trafficking.
