Prosecutors to seek pre-trial detention for suspected drug dealer from whom over 11 pounds of fentanyl was seized
San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced multiple felony charges against, David Diaz-Morazan (23), who was taken into custody on April 25, 2023 by members of the San Francisco Police Department. Diaz Morazan is charged with two counts of possession for sale of controlled substances (fentanyl and methamphetamine), one count of maintaining a place for selling or using controlled substances, one count for the sale of fentanyl, and three counts for the sale of methamphetamine.
“The criminal justice system needs to recognize that drug dealing is a serious crime,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “Communities are under siege by rampant, open-air drug dealing and we must do everything we can to protect public safety and ensure that there are consequences for suspected drug dealers.”
Following Diaz-Morazan’s arrest, members of the San Francisco Police Department’s Narcotics unit along with agents of the US Drug Enforcement Agency served a search warrant at a residence in Oakland that resulted in the seizure of 4.9 kilograms (just over 11 pounds) of fentanyl, as well as 95.8 grams of methamphetamine, $9,810 in US Currency, a hydraulic press, packaging materials, and heavy-duty respirators. It is estimated that one kilogram of fentanyl has the potential to kill 500,000 people.
Mr. Diaz-Morazan has been in custody since his arrest on April 25, 2023. He was arraigned on this case on April 27, 2023. The preliminary hearing for this case has been scheduled for May 10, 2023. Prosecutors also filed a motion to detain because of the extreme public safety risk he poses which will be ruled on May 10, 2023 along with the preliminary hearing. In the meanwhile, the defendant will remain in custody with no bail set.
Mr. Diaz-Morazan is also facing charges for sales of fentanyl and methamphetamine to an undercover San Francisco Police Department Narcotics officer on April 3, 4 and 11. He will be arraigned on those charges, today, April 28, 2023. If convicted of all charges in both cases, he faces more than nine years in state prison.
Between July 8, 2022 and April 20, 2023, the District Attorney’s Office filed 638 felony narcotics sales cases (out of 715 cases presented – 90% filing rate) compared to 360 (out of 480 cases presented – 75% filing rate) for the same time period by the previous administration.
Pre-trial detention has been sought in the most egregious cases because of the extreme public safety risk posed by those alleged drug dealers. The court granted seven motions to detain and denied nine. In six instances, the court-imposed bail.
Currently there are 494 individuals with open bench warrants who failed to appear for narcotics sales cases who were released by the court. 136 of these individuals in bench warrant status have more than one open case.
Although charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
Court Number: 23006128, 23006218
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