2 Teens Arrested For Fentanyl​ Possession In San Diego County: Sheriff's Office

CHULA VISTA, CA — Two teens were arrested on suspicion of fentanyl possession during a surveillance operation in the South Bay area of San Diego County, authorities said.

Detectives were conducting surveillance shortly before 10 a.m. Friday near Third and Orange avenues in Chula Vista when they saw Martin Corona, 19, carrying a heavy backpack and meeting with a juvenile, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

After Corona handed the 13-year-old the backpack, the boy walked into a liquor store. Detectives contacted him to conduct a truancy assessment and learned the backpack contained five kilograms of powdered fentanyl, officials said.

Corona and the boy were arrested and taken to the sheriff's Imperial Beach substation. Corona, who was already on probation for felony narcotics convictions, is facing possible charges of narcotics trafficking, child endangerment and conspiracy, authorities said.

The juvenile was cited and released to the custody of his parents, according to sheriff's officials. His identity was not released due to his age.

Sheriff's officials said the surveillance was part of an effort to counter cross-border narcotics smuggling in the region.