Authorities have made arrests connected to the fatal fentanyl-related overdose of a 35-year-old Riverside man in late 2023.
An investigation was launched in November after Christoper Lucia, 35, was taken to a hospital after testing positive for fentanyl. While under their care, he failed to regain consciousness and died after several days on Nov. 13.
“Over the course of their investigation, detectives identified two people suspected of supplying the fentanyl to Christopher, as well as the person suspected of being their source of fentanyl,” said Riverside Police Department in a statement.
Investigators have served several search warrants over recent weeks, including one in the 5500 block of Inner Circle Drive and the 4900 block of Gardena Drive in Riverside, as well as another in the 7220 block of Font Avenue in Jurupa Valley.
During those searches, they located and seized nearly a pound of powdered fentanyl, as well as evidence that the suspects had continued to sell the highly potent synthetic opioid even after Lucia’s death. They also seized 11 firearms during the investigation.