Long Beach men used auto shop as drug front, federal prosecutors say
Efren Sanchez, 52, and Hector Valle, 48, are accused of using an auto upholstery shop in Gardena to sell meth and fentanyl, authorities said.
Two Long Beach men have been arrested and charged with allegedly using an auto upholstery shop in Gardena to sell drugs, authorities announced today.
Efren Sanchez, 52, and Hector Valle, 48, are both charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, and with being felons in possession of firearms, federal prosecutors said.
Valle is also charged with possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, they added.
Valle and Sanchez sold roughly 433 grams of meth and nearly 50 grams of fentanyl on June 9, 2023, authorities said.
When authorities served search warrants at three locations, including Valle's auto shop, Stitchin Time, they found 31 pounds of fentanyl, hundreds of grams of meth and cocaine, six firearms, 117 rounds of ammo, and $21,700 in cash, federal prosecutors said.
"Those who traffic in fentanyl are well aware that they are profiting by putting others' lives at risk," U.S Attorney Martin Estrada said in statement Friday. "It is important that those bad actors be held accountable."
Valle and Sanchez could face a maximum sentence life in prison if convicted and a minimum of 10 years, authorities said.
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