Fentanyl, meth and counterfeit money seized in Chico apartment; 4 men arrested

BUTTE COUNTY, California — According to authorities, four men are behind bars for allegedly selling drugs from an apartment in Chico.

Following an investigation, police officers executed a search warrant at the Esplanade Apartments in Chico on Thursday and found evidence suggesting the sale of fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin, according to a news release from the Butte Interagency Narcotics Task Force (BINTF) and the Butte County Sheriff's Office Special Enforcement Unit.

Four men were arrested and agents seized 49 grams of fentanyl, 74 grams of methamphetamine, 14 grams of heroin, several digital scales, $1,228 in cash, numerous counterfeit $100 bills and documents indicative of identity theft, officials said.

BINTF said 53-year-old William Veaver was the focus of the investigation and search warrant. Veaver was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail for possession of methamphetamine as a sex offender, maintaining a residence for the purpose of drug sales and use, possession of a stun gun as a felon, and an outstanding warrant for his arrest.

Clinton David Bennett, 55, was also arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail for possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine and heroin for sale and committing a felony while out on bail.

Arrest warrants were issued for Larry Daniel Sage, 41, and Robert Bascom Peeples, 45, and they were also booked into the Shasta County Jail.

According to BINTF, this area of ​​Chico has seen a recent increase in drug-related activity, and this particular location has undoubtedly contributed to this increase.

The investigation is ongoing and further charges are pending.