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Man arrested for narcotics possession, pills to be tested for fentanyl

UPDATE: Friday, November 15, 5:50 p.m. Seaside residents can’t say they’re shocked after learning about a major drug bust that took place on their street. “It is a little frightening that it’s so close to our home, but not surprising. They’ve had trouble with drugs here for years,” said nearby residents, Paula and John Mueller.

The Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team (PRVNT) found an assortment of drugs and cash inside the home of 30-year-old Michael Ordonez, Wednesday. This included a stash of over 700 “Xanax” pills.

Law enforcement said they are worried the pills could contain several more ingredients. Ordonez told officers he does not know exactly what is in them.

“What we’re seeing, not only in the community, but across the state, is a lot of counterfeit pills that are designed to look like prescription medication. They contain other narcotics and a very powerful opiate called fentanyl,” said Lt. Ethan Andrews with the Peninsula Regional Violence and Narcotics Team (PRVNT).

Andrews said fentanyl was responsible for numerous overdoses and death on the peninsula, this fall. In October, nine opioid related overdoses took place in just ten days. The event prompted doctors and law enforcement to send the community a warning.

“They need to get a grip on it right now, while they can,” said Seaside resident, Marvin Dillard.

Law enforcement are investigating the pills found inside Ordonez’s home. A lab will determine if they contain fentanyl, and if they could be responsible for the increase in overdoses.

“We are still in the very beginning stages of the investigation into his role of the distribution of these pills in the area,” said Andrews.

PREVIOUS STORY: A man is behind bars, after officials say he was found with various narcotics.

On Wednesday, PRVNT helped the Monterey County Probation Department with a probation search of the residence of Michael Ordonez in the 1700 block of Hilton Street in Seaside.

During the search, officers say a large amount of narcotics, drug sales indicia, and cash were found. A stolen purse from a theft in Salinas and an expandable baton were also recovered.

The following narcotics were recovered:

4 ounces of methamphetamine. ounce of heroin. 4 ounces of marijuana. Over 700 Alprazolam pills, also known as Xanax.

Ordonez was arrested and booked into the Monterey County Jail on multiple charges and is being held without bail.

Ordonez admitted the 700+ Xanax pills in his possession were likely counterfeit containing other unknown narcotics.

The pills will be sent to lab to determine if they contain fentanyl, a powerful opiate often found in counterfeit pills and responsible for numerous drug overdose deaths in Monterey County.

Local law enforcement would like to remind the community of the dangers in using narcotics, especially pills, as fentanyl is being laced into them.

Anyone with information on drug sales is encouraged to call investigators at 831-646-6926 or if you wish to remain anonymous contact the Tip-Line at 831-646-3840.

Article Topic Follows: Crime

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