2 From Walnut Creek, 1 Martinez Man Nabbed as Suspected Drug Traffickers in Nightclub Investigation

An investigation into drug sales in downtown Walnut Creek nightclubs led to the recent arrests of three suspected drug traffickers, police said today.

Benyam Yohannes, 24, and 25-year-old Brittany Borgognone, both of Walnut Creek, have been arrested along with 44-year-old Hector Rodriguez of Martinez for allegedly transporting and selling cocaine, police said.

Police said the arrests stemmed from an investigation over the past several months into drug sales at Lift Lounge at 1321 Locust St. and several nearby nightspots.

Officers conducting surveillance witnessed drug sales both inside businesses and in parking lots.

Police said officers seized just under a pound of cocaine and smaller amounts of marijuana for sale, as well as additional evidence and contraband during search warrant operations in Walnut Creek and Martinez.

All three suspects were taken to county jail in Martinez. Yohannes has been charged with multiple counts of narcotics possession and with selling and transporting drugs, according to the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office.

Cases against the remaining two suspects will be presented to the district attorney's office in the coming days, police said.

"Although more arrests are imminent, those announced today will help erode the supply of illegal narcotics coming into the downtown area of Walnut Creek," police said in a prepared statement.

--Bay City News