3 Held in Probe of Chula Vista Drug Ring

A four-month investigation of a Chula Vista drug ring ended this week with three arrests and the seizure of several hundred pounds of cocaine and marijuana worth an estimated $5 million, a narcotics task force spokesman said Thursday.

Narizo Gonzalez-Rios, 42, of Tijuana--the alleged ringleader, also known as Jose Salas Barraza, and Pedro Gil Martinez, 51, were arrested Wednesday night during a search of Martinez’s home in the 3400 block of Tebo Court, said San Diego police Lt. Skip Dicerchio, a spokesman for the San Diego County Narcotics Task Force, which comprises local and federal officials.

Both men were being held without bail at County Jail downtown pending arraignment today on suspicion of possessing narcotics for sale and transportation of narcotics, a jail spokeswoman said.

Wednesday’s raid began with the arrest of a 17-year-old male who attempted to deliver 22 pounds of cocaine to undercover agents during a prearranged drug buy, Dicerchio said.

The suspect, who police said was armed with a .38-caliber handgun, is being held in Juvenile Hall. Police would not provide any additional information on his arrest.

Task force members then searched the home of Martinez, whom police described as Gonzalez-Rios’ principal drug negotiator. They found another 460 pounds of cocaine and about 100 pounds of marijuana, Dicerchio said, which authorities believe was smuggled from Mexico.

The cocaine has an estimated street value of $4.5 million, and the marijuana is worth about $500,000, said San Diego Police Capt. Bill Taylor, a task force member.

Several firearms were also found during the search, Dicerchio said.

Wednesday’s seizure was the third major drug bust made by the task force this year, Dicerchio said.

On Jan. 28, 600 pounds of cocaine worth about $30 million was seized during searches of three homes in Mission Valley, East San Diego and La Mesa.

Three days later, the task force seized 26 pounds of methamphetamines--valued at $1.25 million--as well as $53,000 cash and two semiautomatic rifles in searches at three San Diego homes.