On March 2, 2021, detectives from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Street Team and Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit concluded a narcotics sales investigation involving Nikhil Joglekar from Los Angeles, who was involved in the sales of illegally obtained prescription medication to residents of Ventura County.
During the month of February 2021, detectives conducted an investigation involving the sale of illegally obtained prescription medication in Ventura County. During the investigation, detectives conducted an undercover investigation, made multiple arrests, served search warrants and seized a large quantity of Alprazolam (Xanax) and other illicit narcotics.
During the ensuing investigation, detectives followed up on information that indicated Nikhil Joglekar was responsible for the sale of large quantities of illegally pressed and obtained Alprazolam pills, as well as other illicit drugs. Detectives conducted surveillance and identified Joglekar’s residence in Los Angeles. During the same time, detectives from the Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit conducted an unrelated investigation and also identified Joglekar as their suspect responsible for the illegal sales of Alprazolam in Ventura County. Detectives from both units worked together and subsequently obtained a search warrant for Joglekar, his vehicle and residence located in the 600 Block of Sweetzer Avenue in Los Angeles.
On March 2, 2021, detectives contacted and detained Joglekar outside of his residence. Joglekar was in possession of a large quantity of Alprazolam pills, cocaine and money believed to be proceeds from narcotics sales. Joglekar was arrested and detectives searched his residence pursuant to the search warrant. During the search, detectives seized additional prescription pills believed to be illegally pressed and evidence indicative of narcotics sales. In all, detectives seized approximately 34,000 Alprazolam pills and approximately 1800 other prescription pills possessed for sale.
Based on the investigation, Joglekar was arrested and booked at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility on various narcotics sales charges. His bail was set at $50,000 and he is awaiting court proceedings.
Alprazolam or Xanax is a prescription medication used to treat anxiety and requires a prescription by a medical professional. This medication is highly abused and is often a contributor to fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Counterfeit pills are often mass produced and sold throughout the United States for large profits. Counterfeit pressed pills are mass produced and lack safety protocols used by legitimate professional laboratories. The pills look identical to legitimate medications and are sometimes mixed with fentanyl, which make them extremely dangerous. Counterfeit pills mixed with fentanyl are a contributor to overdoses taking place in Ventura County.
The Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit is committed to aggressively target narcotics sales and help combat prescription medication and illicit drug overdoses in Ventura County. Anyone wishing to provide information on illegally possessed prescription medication or related information may contact investigators from the Ventura County Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit at (805) 383-8700 or [email protected].
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