Full Notification

Four LA County Men Arraigned in Large-Scale Narcotics Trafficking Case

VENTURA, Calif. – District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that four men have been charged and arraigned in connection with a large-scale drug trafficking operation accused of delivering fentanyl, methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine into Ventura County.

The defendants, Jorge Humberto Valdivia (DOB 05/30/99), Angel Omar Azpeitia Garcia (DOB 01/17/95), Jorge Arturo Marquez Chavez (DOB 05/13/98), and Victor Manuel Otero Correa (DOB 12/11/02), all of North Hollywood, were arraigned on August 11, 2025, in Ventura County Superior Court. They are each charged with two counts of conspiracy to commit a crime, four counts of possession of a controlled substance for sale, one count of sale or transportation of a controlled substance, three counts of possession of methamphetamine for sale, and two counts of sale or transportation of methamphetamine. Special allegations charged include that the crime involved a large quantity of contraband and newly established drug weight enhancements thanks to Proposition 36. Voter approved Prop 36 took effect on December 18, 2024 and introduced significant changes to California law, including the addition of increased penalties for large amounts of narcotics.

In March 2024, Simi Valley Police Department (SVPD) narcotics detectives received information about a highly sophisticated drug trafficking organization suspected of operating in Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Bernardino Counties. Detectives later identified several vehicles allegedly making multiple daily trips into Simi Valley and surrounding areas to deliver large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin. On August 7, 2025, SVPD detectives, with assistance from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, executed coordinated search warrants at multiple locations in Los Angeles County as part of the ongoing investigation. The searches resulted in the seizure of:

• 23.98 pounds (10.87 kilos) of fentanyl
• 18.75 pounds (8.5 kilos) of methamphetamine
• 4.5 pounds (2.04 kilos) of heroin
• 1 pound of cocaine

The estimated total street value of the evidence seized is approximately $1.4 million. Investigators also allegedly recovered packaging materials, digital scales, and more than $129,000 in cash.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Audry Nafziger, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Major Crimes Narcotics Unit, is prosecuting the case.

Fentanyl is a highly addictive and often deadly synthetic drug. It is estimated to be 50 to 100 times more potent than morphine. A lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as two milligrams. The fentanyl recovered in this case represents approximately 5 million potentially fatal doses.

In 2024, the Ventura County Medical Examiner reported 200 overdose deaths. Fentanyl was found in the system of 113 of the overdose victims. The Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will seek to aggressively prosecute those that sell, furnish, or distribute fentanyl.

The public is urged to learn more about the dangers of fentanyl, how to find resources for people struggling with addiction, and where to get overdose rescue kits. This information can be found at ThinkAgainVC.com.

Valdivia, Garcia, Chavez, and Correa pled not guilty at their first court appearance. They will return to court for an early disposition conference on August 20, 2025. All four remail in custody with bail set at $250,000.

Case: 2025020052
Defendant Information:
Jorge Humberto Valdivia (DOB 05/30/99)
Angel Omar Azpeitia Garcia (DOB 01/17/95)
Jorge Arturo Marquez Chavez (DOB 05/13/98)
Victor Manuel Otero Correa (DOB 12/11/02)
 
All from North Hollywood
 
Charges:

• (2 counts) PC 182(a)(1) - Conspiracy to commit a crime
• (4 counts) HS 11351 – Possession for sale of a controlled substance
• HS 11352(a) – Sale or transportation of a controlled substance
• (3 counts) HS 11378 - Possession of methamphetamine for sale
• (2 counts) HS 11379(a) - Sale or transportation of methamphetamine

 
Special allegations:

• CRC 4.421(a)(8) – The manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication, or

• professionalism
• CRC 4.421(a)(10) – The crime involved a large quantity of contraband
• HS 11370.4(c)(1)(F) – Fentanyl punishment by quantity
• HS 11370(b)(2) – Punishment by quantity
• HS 11370.4(a)(1) – Over one kilogram

 
Distrct Attorney Contact: Joey Buttitta
Title: Communications Manager/PIO
Phone: (805) 767-3400
Email: [email protected]
Approved: SW
Date: August 13, 2025
Release No.: 25-099