Nearly six pounds of heroin seized in Humboldt drug bust

EUREKA/FORTUNA, CA. – A month-long heroin distribution investigation by several local law enforcement agencies ends with two arrests, seized drugs and lots of cash.

Drug warrants were served Monday by the Humboldt County Drug Task Force, Sheriff’s Deputies, District Attorney K-9 Unit, Eureka and Fortuna Police, and the U.S. Forest Service.

They raided three homes – on Alpha and Pine streets in Eureka, and Rohnerville Road in Fortuna, and searched cars at those locations – finding almost six pounds of heroin.

The first arrest was made of Nestor Omar Valenzuela, who was stopped while driving on US 101 near Humboldt Hill.

Officers say they found a hidden compartment inside his car containing 13-ounces of black tar heroin, packaged for sales.

The second person arrested — Juan Jose Garcia-Barraza – who agents call a known drug trafficker – was detained at the home on Rohnerville Road.

Officers say inside, they found two pounds of raw tar heroin, one pound of packaged heroin, plus cutting agents, packaging material, scales and cooking utensils.

At the Alpha Street home, they found one pound of packaged raw tar heroin, as well as packaging materials and scales.

Officers also found almost $40,000 in cash at the locations.