A Juneau man was arrested on drug charges Thursday afternoon after police found him in possession of several types of drugs with a street value of $32,650, plus nearly $50,000 in cash.
Ricardo Church Contreras, 35, of Juneau was arrested on charges of second-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance, a class A felony, and third-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance, a class B felony, according to the Juneau Police Department, which announced the arrest in cooperation with the Southeast Alaska Cities Against Drugs Task Force.
He also faces three charges of fourth-degree misconduct involving a controlled substance, a class C felony. Contreras was taken to Lemon Creek Correctional Center.
In May of 2023, SEACAD received information indicating Contreras had been involved in distributing narcotics in Juneau. On Thursday at about 1 p.m. SEACAD officers contacted him and three other people who were at a business parking lot on Franklin Street downtown.
JPD spokesperson Lt. Krag Campbell said the three other people with him at the time of the arrest have not been charged at this time.
According to police, through investigation, Contreras was found to be in possession of multiple narcotics including fentanyl powder and pills, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin, along with the cash. Additional investigation of Contrera’s living space and vehicle revealed additional narcotics and a money-counting machine in his possession.
According to the state court system, Contreras has previous drug-related convictions, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled at the Juneau Courthouse. for 4 p.m., Thursday, July 3.
• Contact reporter Clarise Larson at clarise.larson@juneauempire.com or (651)-528-1807.
