Modesto Man Sentenced Over 11 Years for Fentanyl, Gun Trafficking

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A 28-year-old Modesto man named Oleg Arreola was sentenced to over 11 years in federal prison for his involvement in a fentanyl and firearms trafficking conspiracy in Stanislaus County, California. Arreola pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm connected to a drug trafficking conspiracy as part of a broader investigation called Operation Blue Death that uncovered multiple drug and gun transactions in the region.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis and illegal firearms trafficking in California's Central Valley, with law enforcement working to disrupt the distribution of dangerous drugs like fentanyl and illegal weapons. Fentanyl overdoses have become a major public health crisis nationwide, and the sentencing of Arreola and his co-defendants aims to disrupt the supply chain and send a strong message about the consequences of these crimes.

The details

Arreola was arrested on June 13, 2023 when he arrived at a location for a prearranged purchase of 50,000 fentanyl pills. Authorities found an AK-style Draco rifle at his feet and about 30,000 fentanyl pills in a briefcase in a vehicle belonging to his co-defendant Enrique Cruz DeLeon. The broader investigation uncovered multiple other drug and gun transactions, including one in April 2023 where thousands of fentanyl pills and a Draco-style firearm were sold.

• Arreola was arrested on June 13, 2023.
• Arturo Madrid was sentenced in November to 11 years and 3 months in prison.
• Enrique Cruz DeLeon was sentenced in April to 11 years and 3 months in prison.
• Ebony Lambert was sentenced in August to 2 years in prison.
• Donnell Mays is scheduled to be sentenced on July 13, 2026.

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Oleg Arreola out on bail.