Two Long Beach men were arrested Friday for allegedly selling fentanyl and methamphetamine out of a purported automobile upholstery store in Gardena.
Hector Valle, 48, and Efren Sanchez, 52, were both indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and being felons in possession of firearms. Valle was additionally charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug crime, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The indictment alleges that the duo sold about 433 grams of meth and nearly 50 grams of fentanyl on June 9, 2023. Law enforcement officers serving warrants at three locations seized roughly 31 pounds of fentanyl, 424 grams of meth, 675 grams of cocaine, six firearms, 117 rounds of ammunition and $21,700 in cash, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Several packets of narcotics were found stashed inside a vending machine at an upholstery shop called Stitchin’ Time, where Valle allegedly worked, prosecutors said.
Both men face up to life in federal prison if convicted as charged.