Redding Man Arrested in Ongoing Fentanyl Trafficking Investigation; Stolen Merchandise and Cash Seized
REDDING, CA — “On October 17, 2025, Officers with the Neighborhood Police Unit (NPU) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle driven by Joseph Holcomb, 32, of Redding. Prior to the stop, NPU Officers had obtained a search warrant for Holcomb, his vehicle, and his residence in connection with an ongoing investigation into fentanyl trafficking in the Redding area.
During the traffic stop, Officers discovered two young children seated in the back of the vehicle. Between the children, officers located a backpack containing fentanyl, packaging materials, and U.S. currency. Additional fentanyl was found on Holcomb’s person. A safety plan was immediately implemented for the children, who were transported to a safe location.
Following the vehicle search, Officers executed the search warrant at Holcomb’s residence in the 1000 block of Echo Road in Redding. Inside, Officers located additional evidence of fentanyl sales, as well as a large number of raffle tickets bearing various names.
Through their investigation, Officers learned that Holcomb had been conducting an illegal raffle with local drug users. Holcomb charged individuals for raffle tickets, with the winner receiving a large quantity of fentanyl as the prize.
Further investigation revealed that Holcomb controlled two storage units located in the 100 block of Parkview Avenue. Officers obtained additional search warrants for these units and located the following:
– Nearly 3 pounds of fentanyl, concealed in couch cushions (approximately 1,324 grams)
– $65,317.00 in U.S. currency, hidden within various items
– Numerous items indicative of fentanyl sales
– $2,795.42 in stolen merchandise from retail stores throughout Redding
Officers determined that Holcomb was the ringleader of a local organized retail theft operation, in which he exchanged fentanyl for stolen merchandise obtained by local drug users. The stolen property was seized and returned to the stores from which it was taken.
The stolen merchandise was identified as coming from the following retailers:
– Walmart: $1,136.76
– Burlington: $434.29
– Ross: $170.40
– Hobby Lobby: $23.58
– Lowe’s: $365.92
– Victoria’s Secret: $664.47
The Neighborhood Police Unit will continue to aggressively pursue narcotics-related crimes, particularly those that contribute to child abuse, organized retail theft and other offenses that negatively impact the Redding community.
Holcomb was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail on multiple felony charges related to the possession of a controlled substance for sale and child abuse. Pursuant to the California Health and Safety code, Holcomb faces at least 10 years in State Prison due to his possession of over a kilogram of fentanyl.”
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- Evidence – Courtesy of Redding PD
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- Evidence – Courtesy of Redding PD
