10 Drug Sales Suspects Plead Not Guilty

Ten people were arraigned Tuesday on charges of conspiracy to distribute cocaine in connection with a police sweep of the San Fernando and Santa Clarita valleys that netted more than $300,000 in cash and about 45 pounds of cocaine.

All 10 pleaded innocent and a preliminary hearing was set for Aug. 30.

Burbank police--in conjunction with U.S. Customs Agents, the Pasadena Police Department and the California Bureau of Narcotics--arrested 18 people Friday after seizing about $313,000 in drug money, officials said.

Only 10 of the 18 were eventually charged.

Police discovered two drug labs and a large amount of cash at 20606 Clark St. in Woodland Hills and at 11007 Reseda Blvd. in Northridge, authorities said.

Police said four brothers were the suspected leaders of the ring.

Richard J. Trujillo, 21, and David Trujillo, 18, were arrested at the Woodland Hills address.

Luis Trujillo, 19, was arrested at the Northridge address and Xavier Trujillo, 25, was arrested in Panorama City, police said.

In addition to the cash and cocaine, 17 cars, a hand grenade and a small amount of heroin were confiscated.

Also arraigned were: Ulysses Trajillo, Teresa Monterrosa, 19, Elisa Gutierrez, 34, Alejandro Castillo, 21, Jesus Sanches and Arturo Diaz, 19.

The suspects were being held in the Burbank jail in lieu of $5 million bail.