Four Busted In San Fernando Valley Drug Trafficking Sweep

LOS ANGELES, CA — Four suspected members of a San Fernando Valley drug trafficking crew were arrested Wednesday on federal charges alleging sales of cocaine, methamphetamine and fentanyl.

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.

A 15-count federal grand jury indictment filed Tuesday charges seven defendants with conspiracy and other charges.

The newly arrested suspects — 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 scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Los Angeles federal court.

"Reducing violent crime in our community and throughout our country is the priority of ATF," Special Agent in Charge Christopher Bombardiere of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Los Angeles Field Division said in a news release.

"This case illustrates the importance of genuine relationships between law enforcement agencies to keep our communities safe. Stopping the illegal and highly dangerous flow of narcotics by this ring will make the Valley safer tonight."

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.

Six of the defendants are in custody. A seventh, Sarkis Kyurkchian, 40, of North Hollywood, is currently being sought.

According to the indictment, Buraye, Meraz and Oscar Melendez, 50, of Van Nuys, 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.

"Powerfully addictive drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine devastate families and communities," said Martin Estrada, the U.S. Attorney in Los Angeles. "With these charges we have dismantled a drug trafficking organization that put profits over people's lives. We will continue to do everything in our power to make sure every resident has an opportunity to live in safety."

City News Service