Yuba County, CA — A massive drug trafficking operation based in Yuba County was dismantled after a year-long undercover investigation known as ‘Operation Crystal River’, culminating in 14 arrests on federal drug trafficking charges, according to the Yuba County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO).
The investigation, which began in July 2024, initially focused on 36-year-old Jose Garcia-Avalos of Yuba City, identified as a key distributor of large quantities of controlled substances both locally and across California.
Links to Major Cartels
YCSO reports that the operation uncovered multiple drug trafficking organizations connected to Garcia-Avalos, which were tied to two major cartels: the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. These networks were responsible for distributing large amounts of methamphetamine and counterfeit opioids throughout the state.
Simultaneous Raids Across Multiple Counties
In October 2025, law enforcement executed simultaneous federal search warrants across Yuba, Sutter, and Butte counties. The coordinated raids resulted in the arrest of 14 individuals, all facing federal drug trafficking charges.
Arrestees in Operation Crystal River
- Jose Garcia-Avalos, 36, Yuba City
- Octavio Hinojosa-Guzman, 43, Yuba City
- Elmer Montiel-Romero, 21, Yuba City
- Hector De Jesus Mejia-Velasquez, 25, Yuba City
- Juan Munoz-Guzman, 28, Yuba City
- Leonel Abrego, 38, Live Oak
- Lloyd Steve Lister, 53, Yuba City
- Lyle Wayne Cooper, 53, Olivehurst
- Brandi Emerson, 32, Marysville
- Leon James Whiteley, 50, Olivehurst
- Brian Sedgwick, 63, Marysville
- Vanessa Flores-Gomez, 27, Marysville
- Jessica Pack, 36, Weaverville
- Coy Mobley, 53, Weaverville
Massive Drug Seizures and Lab Dismantling
At the conclusion of the investigation, authorities seized:
- Over 500 pounds of methamphetamine
- Approximately 135,000 counterfeit M-30 Oxycodone pills containing fentanyl
Investigators also discovered and dismantled a methamphetamine conversion laboratory operating in Southern California, further crippling the trafficking network, as per Fox40.
Law Enforcement Response and Community Safety
The YCSO praised the coordinated effort, highlighting the importance of federal, state, and local collaboration in dismantling large-scale drug networks. Officials noted that removing these dangerous drugs from circulation will help protect communities across Northern and Southern California from the devastating effects of methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Authorities say that investigations are ongoing to identify additional members of the network and further curb the influence of these cartel-linked operations.
Do you think coordinated operations like Operation Crystal River are effective in curbing cartel activity in California? Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments below.
