Opium Probe Yields 8 Arrests
Federal and local authorities seized 15 pounds of opium Tuesday and arrested eight San Fernando Valley-area men on suspicion of selling and possessing the drug.
Those arrested were Alfred Degregorian, 51; his 35-year-old son, Alain Degregorian; Sarkhadoun Baitzaya, 45; Jakob Yakhobzadeghan, 45; Behnam Azimi, 45; Soleman Yashar, 54; Bijan Yousefi, 46; and Saied Makabi Hamadani, 49.
The men, who live in Glendale, Los Angeles, North Hollywood and Van Nuys, were charged Tuesday in an 11-count criminal complaint. Charges include conspiracy, drug sales and possession. If convicted, each faces five years in state prison, said Sandi Gibbons, a spokeswoman for the Los Angeles County district attorney.
Bail ranged from $30,000 to $1 million.
The arrests capped a six-month investigation by the Glendale Police Department, U.S. Customs Service and the district attorney’s office. Authorities issued 20 search warrants in the case and seized $150,000 in addition to the opium.
Opium, which is typically smoked, is used in producing morphine, which can then be synthesized into heroin. The wholesale price for a pound of opium is about $8,500.
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