Ventura Prolific Fentanyl Trafficker Receives 15-Year Federal Prison Sentence

LOS ANGELES - The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Los Angeles Field Division announced the sentencing of a large-scale fentanyl distributor operating within Ventura, California. Stephen Gregory Reid, 61, aka "Racer," of Ventura, was sentenced to 188 months in federal prison. The DEA announcement, made last week, was the pinnacle point of a multi-agency investigation targeting Reid.

This investigation began in fall 2022 and culminated in August 2023, with the execution of a search warrant at Reid's residence in Ventura, California. The warrant led to the seizure of over one pound of fentanyl powder, nearly one pound of crystal methamphetamine, and a small quantity of M-30 fentanyl pills. Reid's residence is located just one block north of an elementary school in the area.

The DEA Ventura Resident Office, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Ventura, and the Ventura Police Department (VPD) initiated their investigation into Reid in November 2022. Reid was identified by VPD as one of Ventura's largest known fentanyl traffickers. Reid had previously been convicted of multiple California state drug charges and had served multiple multi-year state prison sentences.

Resident Agent in Charge Ryan Olson, of the DEA Ventura Resident Office, commended agents, VPD detectives, and all partners involved in this investigation. "The outstanding collaboration and determination put into this investigation demonstrates the commitment to making our communities safer from dangerous and deadly drugs like fentanyl. We will use all necessary resources to keep these dangerous drugs off our streets and will hold all violators accountable," said Olson.

"Reid bears significant responsibility for the proliferation of fentanyl in our community. This sentencing highlights our unwavering dedication to protecting Ventura from the devastating effects of this lethal drug," said Ventura Police Chief Darin Schindler. "Collaboration with our federal partners has been crucial in eliminating a major source of fentanyl from our streets, and we will continue to prioritize the safety and well-being of our residents."

"HSI Los Angeles is proud to join forces with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to combat the fentanyl epidemic the United States is currently facing," said HSI Los Angeles Deputy Special Agent in Charge John Pasciucco. "It is critical partnerships like these that contribute to the safety of the residents of southern California."

Fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45; a single two-milligram dose can be fatal. Fentanyl is approximately 100 times more potent than morphine and 50 times more potent than heroin as an analgesic. In 2023, DEA seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake pills and nearly 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. The 2023 seizures are equivalent to more than 381 million lethal doses of fentanyl.

Assistant United States Attorney Suria Bahadue of the General Crimes section is prosecuting this case.

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