A Fresno man with previous drug trafficking convictions, Manuel Cisneros, 48, was arraigned today following a federal grand jury indictment. The charges include possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as being a felon in possession of ammunition, according to U.S. Attorney Eric Grant.
Court documents state that on February 20, 2025, Cisneros was found in possession of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and several rounds of .40-caliber ammunition. Due to his prior felony drug trafficking convictions in Fresno County, he is prohibited from possessing ammunition.
The investigation leading to the indictment was conducted by the Fresno Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin J. Gilio is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Cisneros could face up to life in prison and a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years, along with a $10 million fine. Sentencing will be determined by the court after considering statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines. The charges remain allegations at this stage; Cisneros is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
U.S. Attorney Eric Grant stated: “This case is part of Operation Synthetic Opioid Surge (S.O.S.) a program designed to reduce the supply of deadly synthetic opioids in high impact areas as well as identifying wholesale distribution networks and international and domestic suppliers. In July 2018, the Justice Department announced the creation of S.O.S., which is being implemented in the Eastern District of California and nine other federal districts.”
Grant also said: “This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
