Veronica Abarca-Fregozo, 34, was arrested and taken into custody without incident Tuesday evening at her residence. She is charged with five counts of distribution of a controlled substance and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The charges are the result of an ongoing investigation by the multi-agencies comprised of the Elko Combined Narcotics Unit (ECNU), Tri-Dent Enforcement team (Humboldt County) , U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI.
Abarca-Fregozo initially was booked into the Elko County Jail and then transferred to Reno were she will make her first appearance in Federal Court today (Thursday) following her arrest by federal and local authorities.
The investigation culminated with the execution of a federal search warrant Tuesday at Abarca-Fregozo’s residence. During the search, investigators located and seized approximately five ounces of methamphetamine, assorted drug paraphernalia, one vehicle and also recovered $5,000 dollars in cash that had been used to purchase approximately 6 ounces of Methamphetamine earlier in the investigation.
This arrest and future pending arrests are the results of a three month investigation which netted approximately 1 ½ lbs of methamphetamine from the Elko area alone and is linked to a Methamphetamine trafficking organization working Northern Nevada and parts of Utah.
“This case along with the many other cases and arrests over the past year shows Elko County law enforcement agencies continuing effort to fight Narcotics sales and abuse throughout Elko County and Northeastern Nevada.” Sheriff Jim Pitts.
The ECNU appreciates and encourages the community’s support with their narcotic investigations and welcomes information from the public concerning sales of illicit drugs and prescription controlled substances. The ECNU can be contacted at (775) 753-1202. Or tips can be made anonymously at 738-DOPE (738-3673).
The ECNU is comprised of members of Elko County Sheriff’s Office and the State of Nevada Department of Public Safety with support coming from the Carlin Police Department, the West Wendover Police Department and the Elko Police Department. The ECNU receives funding from an Office of Criminal Justice Grant.