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Police bust huge drug ring Photo by Bob Pennell Local and federal authorities display photos of some of the 19 people arrested in drug raids Wednesday that law enforcement officials say capped a six-month investigation and stopped a drug ring responsible for 90 percent of heroin trafficking in the region. Operation sold most of area's heroin, meth By JESSICA SMITH It'll be harder for heroin users in Southern Oregon to satisfy their addiction following the unmaking of what local authorities called a major drug-trafficking ring. Federal agents and local police arrested 19 men and women connected to a drug manufacturing and distribution operation Wednesday. Officials say the group supplied the region with about 90 percent of its heroin and a majority of its methamphetamine. "We hit one out of the park today," said Medford police Lt. Tim George. "It doesn't get any bigger than this as far as drug enforcement." Local police and federal agents -- 110 strong -- raided 28 houses and vehicles about 7 a.m. Wednesday, as the last leg of a six-month investigation. FBI agents and officers from the Jackson County Narcotics Enforcement Team developed information about the alleged drug ring through previous investigations, wiretaps and undercover drug buys. While officials said the investigation is ongoing and more arrests are expected, they added that the arrests Wednesday essentially dismantled the operation. "We believe we've been able to take down an entire structure here ... rather than just dealers on the street," said FBI Special Agent David Szady. Authorities said they believe the drugs originated in San Jose, Calif. The operation distributed an average 10 pounds of methamphetamine and 2 pounds of heroin valued at $330,000 in the region each month, officials said. The impact of the bust remains to be seen, but authorities speculated Wednesday that hundreds of users will have a harder time finding the drugs they want, especially heroin. "With heroin, you can't just say, `I don't need any today, thanks,"' said Jeff Gray, an FBI agent who coordinated local investigation efforts. He said heroin users will either begin traveling greater distances to find the drug or enroll in treatment programs. Although police say the arrests Wednesday will severely limit the drug supply in Southern Oregon, officials don't expect it to stay that way. "This particular operation has put a major hurt on heroin and methamphetamine dealers ... It's going to be very difficult for dope dealers to do business," George said. "We have cut the head off the snake ... but we'll have to wait and see how long before it grows back." Authorities said they arrested the distribution-ring leader, Piedad Sanchez, 35, of Medford and 18 others in Medford, White City, Central Point and Jacksonville. Police also have arrested a San Jose man who they said is the supplier for the Southern Oregon outfit. Police confiscated heroin, methamphetamine and cash during the local raids, although officials late Wednesday said they were unsure of the quantities. About 30 firearms also were seized. Police are searching for another man in the case, Cristobal AlCantar-Cortez, 31, of Medford. He is wanted on charges of illegal-alien smuggling. Sanchez and 15 others face federal charges of possession and distribution of a controlled substance, charges that carry fines up to $4 million and jail sentences from 10 years to life. Of those arrested, eight were illegal aliens. Alfonso Flores-Ramirez, 35, of 1603 Eighth St., Medford, faces charges for illegal re-entry into the United States, and Mercedes Sanchez-Calderon, 21, also of Medford, is being held on fraud charges for forging social security cards. Late Wednesday, a handful of the alleged drug runners had yet to be lodged at the Jackson County Jail, where all were expected to await a hearing today at the U.S. District Courthouse in Medford. Also facing federal drug charges after Wednesday's raid: Victor Manuel Carrillo, 31, of 3635 Antelope Road, White City Jose Manuel Aceves-Diaz, 24, of 814 Cherry St., Medford Cleotilde Fergoso-Rios, 40, of 519 Austin St., Medford Raul Navarro-Gutierrez, 26, of 20 Quince St., Medford Martin Hernandez-Camacho, 32, of 422 Beatty St., Medford Javier Hernandez-Lopez, 20, no address listed Pablo Macias-Ponce, 34, of 1020 Jasper St., Medford Albert Ibarra-Ochoa, 34, of 530 S. Grape St., Medford Carrie Lynn Jacobs, 23, of 208 Iowa St., Medford Ramon Ruelas-Ruiz, 47, of Medford Ranulfo Salgado-Villa, 26, of 20 N. Columbus Ave., Medford Angel Sanchez-Gomez, 23, no address listed Noel Sanchez, 29, of Medford Kelly Wayne Talbot, 47, of Jacksonville Cresensio Sanchez-Ortiz, 28, no address listed Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA