A Van Nuys man who admitted to leading what prosecutors described as a large-scale fentanyl trafficking operation in Ventura County was sentenced to 15 years in prison, officials announced Thursday.
Jose Trinidad Bueno Garcia, 50, was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty last month to conspiracy to possess fentanyl for sale. At the time of his plea, Garcia acknowledged the crime involved more than 4 kilograms of fentanyl, triggering a significant weight-based sentencing enhancement, according to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.
“He also admitted that the crime involved a large quantity of contraband and was carried out with planning, sophistication and professionalism,” prosecutors said.
Investigators determined during an inquiry spanning May through October 2025 that Garcia’s organization sourced fentanyl and methamphetamine from Mexico and distributed the drugs to residents throughout Ventura County.
During a search of Garcia’s home, detectives seized 3,574 grams of fentanyl, 261 grams of methamphetamine, $32,406 in cash, and additional evidence tied to drug sales. Authorities also recovered fentanyl at four other locations where search warrants were executed, bringing the total amount seized to 6,517 grams — an estimated 325,850 potentially lethal doses, according to the district attorney’s office.
“This defendant led a drug trafficking organization responsible for moving an enormous amount of fentanyl into our community, putting countless lives at risk,” Deputy District Attorney Devin Mirchi said. “This sentence reflects the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct and sends a clear message that fentanyl trafficking will be met with significant consequences in Ventura County.”
Prosecutors said 13 years of Garcia’s 15-year sentence resulted from enhancements authorized under Proposition 36, the Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act. Prior to the measure’s passage, officials said offenders trafficking drugs in such quantities would not have faced increased penalties tied to weight-based enhancements, limiting accountability for large-scale operations.
The remaining defendants in the case are scheduled to return to court on Jan. 29 for an early-disposition hearing, where attorneys will determine whether the matter can be resolved without going to trial.