A routine traffic stop for cell phone use resulted in Fort Bragg Police officers discovering fentanyl in both pill and powder form and over $12,000 in the possession of an alleged street dealer.
Around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 22, 2022, 21-year-old Jonathan Martinez was seen using his cell phone while driving. Upon initial contact, a Fort Bragg Police Department officer spotted a pound of cannabis in plain view. The officer located oxycodone pills and around $300 while searching the vehicle. The driver was found to have been released from jail on his own recognizance due to a previous sale of cannabis charge.
Seeking more evidence of narcotic sales, FBPD procured a search warrant for Martinez’s home. With the assistance of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office, law enforcement located 220 fake oxycodone pills known as “M30s”, 13 grams of suspected powdered fentanyl, Xanax, digital scales, and over $12,000.
Martinez was booked on several charges including sales/transportation of a controlled substance, sales/transportation of cannabis, violation of a court order, and operating a cell phone while driving.
Fort Bragg Police Chief Neil Cervenka told us “M30s” are meant to appear as standard oxycodone pills but fentanyl is used as the intoxicant. The fentanyl powder officers located is often used to mix with other drugs increasing their perceived potency, Chief Cervenka explained.
Before becoming Police Chief, Cervenka served in the Turlock Police Department for 22 years. When comparing the impact of fentanyl on the North Coast to his previous beat, Chief Cervenka was concerned that fewer emergency personnel and greater geographic distances could exacerbate the danger of fentanyl on the North Coast.
Regardless of region, Chief Cervenka warned the public that “fentanyl is everywhere” and this weekend’s Fort Bragg bust demonstrates it is in the community. He said the drug is being run up and down Highway 1 and even used by high school students. Parents of teenagers should have “open and honest conversations” about the drug and the dangers it presents. To the greater Fort Bragg community, Chief Cervenka’s message was simple: “Be careful.”
It must be stated that the charges described have not been proven in a court of law. In accordance with the legal principle of the presumption of innocence, any individual described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty.
When this chump finishes what should be a lengthy prison term, ship him to Martha’s Vineyard, DC, or even Fair oaks, CA.
I’m glad he’s off the streets & got caught. Now please keep him in there. Keep catching these dirtbags!!
Fair Oaks , Ca? Hey Walter, eat shit!
Whoa, woah, woah! Fair oaks is newsomes residence. Thanks for the invite to dinner, however.
Clearly you are not an American who believes in 50 states unified.
Free Jhona!!
I see the bigger problem in the lack of awareness involving the use of fentanyl. It appears to be very popular specifically among young people. The extreme risk associated with its use is not widely known or understood. Parents must educate their children. If people were not buying the dealer would be out of a job.
Good job FBPD.
Whatchu mean?? Free jona 💯⛓
I hope all that cash can go to enforcement the community.