Ten people were charged in a drug smuggling operation that involved hiding drugs inside the bodies of individuals purposely arrested for delivering contraband into a Riverside County jail. The authorities highlighted the scheme's connection to increased inmate fatalities linked to fentanyl. The scheme was led by Andrew Jesus Ayala, who coordinated with street gangs and already incarcerated individuals to facilitate drug trafficking. Intercepted communications exposed the smuggling operations, which included evading detection methods and arrangements for drug mules.
"The smuggling of drugs into our jails, particularly with the emergence of fentanyl, has dramatically increased inmate deaths and medical emergencies within our corrections division," Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco stated.
Prosecutors revealed that the scheme was orchestrated by Andrew Jesus Ayala, who coordinated with a local street gang to smuggle drugs into the jail.
The drug traffickers not only acquired the drugs but also actively recruited willing individuals to act as mules, hiding the narcotics within their bodies.
The indictment indicates that the drug mules were provided with temporary housing before and after their jail time, facilitating the distribution of drugs.
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