6 People Charged in San Francisco Drug Case

DOWNLOAD IPFS

Six individuals are now facing charges in San Francisco after allegedly selling narcotics to undercover officers in several of the city’s troubled neighborhoods. According to the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office, all suspects denied involvement in the sales. Still, authorities claim the arrests were part of an ongoing effort to disrupt drug activity in Civic Center, Mission District, Tenderloin, and South of Market (SoMa).

The charges stem from a series of arrests by the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), involving suspects already under supervision or facing pending cases. In several instances, police say the suspects were found in possession of illegal firearms during their arrests, including semi-automatic pistols and a loaded shotgun.

Ongoing Drug Problem

One of the defendants, Jexcer Jose Martinez-Torres, was arrested on July 10 near Fell Street and Van Ness Avenue. Authorities allege he sold 1.7 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer in exchange for $20 in marked cash. Officers later found an additional 37.8 grams of methamphetamine, 33 grams of fentanyl, 0.3 grams of cocaine hydrochloride, and $649 in cash on his person. According to prosecutors, Martinez-Torres was already facing four separate felony drug sales cases at the time of this latest arrest.

Another man, Darius Butler, was taken into custody that same day near Sixth and Market streets. Police allege he sold 1.5 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover officer before being arrested. Upon a search, officers reportedly discovered a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol tucked in his waistband, along with 8.6 grams of methamphetamine. Despite the serious nature of the charges, a judge released Butler on his recognizance, a move the District Attorney’s Office said it had opposed.

Officials say other suspects were also found with weapons or involved in prior offenses. Some are accused of continuing to commit drug crimes while out on mandatory supervision or release from previous arrests. Prosecutors argue that these incidents highlight ongoing problems with the city’s approach to pretrial release, especially when dealing with repeat offenders tied to narcotics and firearm-related crimes.

The arrests are part of a broader crackdown targeting open-air drug markets in San Francisco. City leaders have faced growing pressure from residents and business owners to get a handle on public safety and street-level crime, particularly in neighborhoods like the Tenderloin, which has been at the center of the city’s drug crisis.

In a statement, the District Attorney’s Office reiterated its focus on prosecuting drug crimes while working with law enforcement to reduce violence linked to illegal drug trafficking. “Our office will continue to pursue felony charges against individuals contributing to the open-air drug trade,” a spokesperson said. “We remain committed to ensuring San Francisco is safe for all its residents.”

The six defendants are expected to appear in court in the coming days. As the investigations continue, prosecutors say more charges could be filed depending on the outcome of forensic testing and additional evidence review.