Tens of Thousands of Counterfeit Fentanyl Pills Seized in Perris Drug Bust

Authorities arrested a 49-year-old man suspected of selling illicit drugs out of his home.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pile of blue counterfeit M-30 pills against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A recent bust of a large stash of counterfeit fentanyl pills underscores the ongoing battle against the opioid crisis in Riverside County.Perris Today

A 49-year-old Perris man was arrested on suspicion of narcotics trafficking after authorities executed a search warrant at his home and seized over 50,000 counterfeit M-30 pills, which are often laced with the deadly synthetic drug fentanyl.

Why it matters

The seizure of tens of thousands of potentially lethal counterfeit pills highlights the ongoing opioid crisis in Riverside County and the need for law enforcement to target repeat offenders and disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs.

The details

During the warrant service, deputies located over 50,000 counterfeit M-30 pills, also known as "blues", contained in multiple plastic bags. Lares was arrested without incident on suspicion of narcotics trafficking.

  • On April 13, 2026, the sheriff's Special Enforcement Team initiated an investigation of the property.
  • On April 15, 2026, authorities executed a search warrant at Lares' home and made the arrest.

The players

Ignacio Lares

A 49-year-old Perris resident who was arrested on suspicion of narcotics trafficking.

Riverside County Sheriff's Department

The law enforcement agency that conducted the investigation and executed the search warrant, seizing over 50,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills.

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What they’re saying

“Operations like this one are critical in addressing repeat offenders and deterring narcotic use.”

— Sgt. David Ruiz, Riverside County Sheriff's Department

What’s next

Lares is being held at the Byrd Detention Center, and authorities are investigating the source of the counterfeit pills.

The takeaway

This bust highlights the ongoing opioid crisis and the need for law enforcement to aggressively target the supply chain of illicit and potentially lethal drugs like fentanyl in order to protect public health and safety.