2 arrested in narcotics investigation in Porterville

PORTERVILLE, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – Two people, who allegedly work as counselors at two non-profits in Tulare County, were arrested following a narcotics investigation in Porterville, the Porterville Police Department said.

On Thursday at 8:09 a.m., officers say they conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle in the 100 block of North Murry Street as part of an investigation of narcotic sales. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was identified as 52-year-old Ursulo Jesus Bejarano, and he was determined to be under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of narcotic paraphernalia.

According to police, a search of Bejarano’s vehicle was conducted and he was found to be in possession of an operational digital scale, approximately a half ounce of methamphetamine, approximately 1 ounce of counterfeit fentanyl pills, about a half gram of cocaine, and around 1 gram of fentanyl.

Detectives say that based on the evidence located, it was determined that Bejarano possessed the narcotics located for the purposes of sale and he was arrested.

Investigators say they responded to Bejarano’s home in the 300 block of East Garden Avenue and contacted 26-year-old Brianna Silvas, who was preparing to leave the home. She was detained due to the ongoing investigation. It was determined that Silvas was under the influence of a controlled substance, and she was arrested.

Police say a search warrant was executed for Silva’s vehicle and Bejarano’s home. In his residence, they located around 1,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, 1 ounce of black tar heroin, 2 ounces of powdered fentanyl, half a pound of methamphetamine, Xanax pills, an operational digital scale, 42 live rounds of 9mm ammunition and two shotguns.

According to officers, a records check revealed Bejarano to be a previously convicted felon, which prevented him from possessing any firearms or ammunition. The search of Silvas’s vehicle revealed her to be in possession of counterfeit fentanyl pills as well.

Detectives say they learned Bejarano and Silvas are employed as counselors with two separate Tulare County non-profit organizations.

Anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact the Porterville Police Department at 559-782-7400.

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