RICHMOND — Tipsters are being credited with helping break up a drug-trafficking ring spanning Alameda, Contra Costa and San Francisco counties.
In a Facebook post Friday, Richmond police said they launched an investigation three months ago after being told about possible drug activity at a couple of homes in the city’s southern district. Detectives later learned the ring extended to other parts of the Bay Area.
They worked with other local and federal law enforcement agencies to arrest eight suspects, including three brothers, who police described as the main suspects in the case.
The brothers were identified as 26-year-old Eduardo Chirinos Viera, 29-year-old Jorge Chirinos Viera and 33-year-old Julio Chirinos Viera, all of Richmond. Bail for each has been set at $1 million.
A search of the homes turned up cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine with an overall street value of $90,000. Another $80,000 in cash was also recovered, police said.
“The department is proud of the detectives’ collaborative efforts and perseverance in this case,” police said in the Facebook post. “We also appreciate members of the community who were involved in this investigation. Together, we can make our community safer.”