Major Drug Bust in Seaside: $175,000 in Narcotics Seized, Suspect Arrested

MONTEREY, CA — On Thursday, January 30, 2025, Monterey Police Detectives, supported by the Seaside Police Department, executed a search warrant at the residence of 34-year-old Johnny Rodriguez located in the 1100 block of Shafer Street, Seaside. The operation led to the discovery and seizure of various narcotics and related paraphernalia.
The seized items included 5.8 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately 14,000 counterfeit prescription pills believed to contain fentanyl, one pound of powder fentanyl, one-third pound of cocaine, digital scales, packaging materials, and over $15,000 in cash. The estimated street value of the narcotics is reported at $175,000.
Rodriguez faces multiple charges including possession and transportation of a controlled substance for sale. Following the seizure, he was booked into the Monterey County Jail, with bail set at $1,000,000 due to the significant quantities of drugs involved.
This operation underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing the spread of powerful synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which is linked to a high number of overdose deaths in the U.S. The successful seizure ensures that these narcotics will not reach the community.