2 More Arrested in San Fernando Valley Drug Trafficking Crackdown

LOS ANGELES, CA — Two suspected members of a San Fernando Valley drug trafficking crew were arrested Thursday on federal charges alleging sales of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl, one day after authorities took four of seven charged co-defendants into custody.

Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, of North Hollywood, and Oscar Melendez, 50, of Van Nuys, were arrested by agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, according to the agency.

Four other defendants -- Giselle Buraye, 23, of Van Nuys; Efren Meraz Jr., 35, of Sylmar; Max Roman-Betancourt, 41, of Sunland; and Esteban Armas, 36, of Panorama City -- were arrested Wednesday, the ATF said.

A 15-count federal grand jury indictment filed Tuesday in Los Angeles charges seven people with conspiracy and other counts in the case.

During search warrants executed at five locations, law enforcement personnel seized 14 firearms, $153,000 in currency, two pounds of methamphetamine and assorted other illegal narcotics, according to authorities.

As part of the three-year multi-agency investigation, agents allegedly seized 42 pounds of methamphetamine, 128 pounds of cocaine, 6.6 pounds of fentanyl powder, and two firearms. Law enforcement officials estimate that the value of the drugs seized exceeds $1 million.

According to the indictment, Buraye, Meraz and Melendez spearheaded the operation by obtaining fentanyl pills, methamphetamine and cocaine. The trio, along with Kyurkchian, provided the drugs to Robert Lavilette, 68, of Ventura, and Roman-Bentancourt, who would then sell the drugs in the street, prosecutors allege.

Armas allegedly stored the narcotics, while Buraye and Melendez also sold the drugs to customers, the indictment says.

All defendants were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

Buraye is also charged with possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession and intent to distribute fentanyl, and distribution of fentanyl. In March 2022, she sold more than 700 fentanyl pills in controlled purchases, prosecutors allege.

On April 14, 2021, Buraye and Mendez, allegedly sold about 1,000 fentanyl pills, and were charged with aiding and abetting, and distribution of fentanyl.

The arrest status of Lavilette was not immediately available.

City News Service