Convicted Felon Arrested on Weapon and Drug Related Crimes 

June 14, 2024 – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office officials report that on Thursday, June 13, 2024, members of the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (GTF), with the assistance of the Riverside Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau, served a search warrant in the 66300 block of Avenue Suenos, Desert Hot Springs. The search warrant stemmed from an ongoing investigation involving the illegal sales of illicit drugs and firearms. During the investigation, GTF members identified Alfonso Smith, a 58-year-old resident of Desert Hot Springs, as the individual responsible for the illegal sales operation.

During the service of the warrant, Smith was taken into custody without incident. GTF members were able to locate several firearms inside his residence, including an assault rifle, a non-serialized 9mm handgun, Tannerite, and illegal narcotics. Smith was arrested and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center for multiple weapon and drug-related charges.

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about this crime, please contact Gang Task Force member Coddington at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601. If you have information regarding criminal activity and wish to be anonymous, please call Valley Crimestoppers at (760) 341-7867.

Reporting Deputy: Sergeant Cameron James

File # GE241650002

Source: Riverside County Sheriff’s Office