Full Notification

Modesto, CA- Modesto Police drug investigators seize close to 80,000 of Vicodin, Methadone, Morphine, and Oxycontin pills during drug bust.

On Tuesday June 22nd, investigators from the Modesto Narcotic Enforcement Team served a search warrant in the 1900 block of Donald Street in West Modesto. Investigators have been working an ongoing drug case on a suspected drug dealer who has been selling prescription drugs. When Officers entered the home, they discovered a large stash of Vicodin, Methadone, Morphine, and Oxycontin pills. These pills are often prescribed by medical doctors as moderate to moderately severe “pain relievers”. They are all a very addictive opiate type drug, which have the same effect as heroin when abused.

Louis C. Bland, a 74-year-old Modesto resident, was arrested at the residence. Bland had been suspected of trafficking prescription drugs and evidence located at the residence supports his longtime involvement in drug sales. Bland was arrested for possession for sales of illegal drugs and committing a felony while armed with a firearm.

Officers seized close to 80,000 pills at the residence. The estimated street value of Vicodin is $3 a pill, Methadone is $10 a pill, Morphine is $20 a pill, and Oxycontin is $30 a pill. According to Narcotic officers these pills have become popular among teen and young adult users.

This investigation is on-going and investigators are following up on additional leads and tips. “Oftentimes, drug investigations are aided by concerned citizens who report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods,” said Sergeant Allen Brocchini, the supervisor of the Modesto Police Department’s drug unit. “These tips have been very beneficial in helping us identify and arrest suspected drug dealers.”

If you would like to report suspicious drug activity and wish to remain anonymous, please call the Modesto Police Department Drug Hotline at (209) 571-3784.

For information about this news release, contact police spokesman Sergeant Rick Armendariz at (209) 652-1820.