Logo

Two alleged drug traffickers have been released from a California jail just days after they were busted with 150,000 fentanyl pills, the disgruntled local sheriff said.

Jose Zendejas, 25, and Benito Madrigal, 19, were arrested during a traffic stop in Tulare County last Friday when authorities allegedly discovered the 150,000 pills — worth an estimated $750,000 — stashed inside their vehicle.

The pair was immediately booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on charges of possession, transportation and sales of illegal drugs.

But Zendejas and Madrigal were released from custody on their own recognizance just days later after a judge granted them a court order.


  Jose Zendejas, 25, and Benito Madrigal, 19, were arrested during a traffic stop in Tulare County last Friday after authorities allegedly discovered the 150,000 pills inside their car. Tulare County Sheriff's Office Jose Zendejas, 25, and Benito Madrigal, 19, were arrested during a traffic stop in Tulare County last Friday after authorities allegedly discovered the 150,000 pills inside their car. Tulare County Sheriff's Office

The Tulare County Sheriff’s Office issued a statement Monday distancing itself from the decision to let the two alleged drug traffickers back on the streets, saying the agency felt it “necessary to clear up any confusion.”

“All inmates booked into Tulare County jails are sent through what is known as the Risk Assessment Process through the Tulare County Probation Department,” the statement said.


  Jose Zendejas and Benito Madrigal were booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on charges of possession, transportation and sales of illegal drugs. Tulare County Sheriff's Office Jose Zendejas and Benito Madrigal were booked into the Tulare County Pre-Trial Facility on charges of possession, transportation and sales of illegal drugs. Tulare County Sheriff's Office


  The pair were released from custody on their own recognizance just days later after a judge granted them a court order. Tulare County Sheriff's Office The pair were released from custody on their own recognizance just days later after a judge granted them a court order. Tulare County Sheriff's Office

“That ‘Risk Assessment’ is then sent to a judge with the court, who, then, determines whether or not the individual arrested is held on bail or if they are to be released.”

In this instance, the sheriff’s office said it received a court order releasing both Zendejas and Madrigal from custody on their own recognizance.

“Although Sheriff [Mike] Boudreaux strongly disagrees with the release of these individuals as a matter of public safety, the court order release must be followed,” the statement said.

Comments
anonymous profile image
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy