LBPD: Long Beach Trio Sold Cocaine to Undercover Cops

Three Long Beach residents face felony drug charges after they were caught selling cocaine to undercover detectives, according to Long Beach Police.

Mayra Gomez, 29, and Matthew Gress, 29, were charged Friday in front of Long Beach Library after they sold more than half an ounce of cocaine to an undercover officer, cops said.

Gomez sold cocaine to undercover officers five times in the West End of Long Beach before she was charged Friday, police said.

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Gress was charged with second-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance. Gomez was charged with second-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, four counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, and five counts of third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Detectives searched Gomez’s home and found $2,462 in cash, more than half an ounce of cocaine, and packaging materials, officials said. Police seized the items along with a 2014 Honda.

Gary Hankins, 43, also sold cocaine to undercover officers during the extensive investigation by LBPD’s Detective Division Narcotics Task Force, cops said.

Hankins was charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and three counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

“These arrests are the result of a lengthy investigation conducted by our detectives, and we are extremely proud of the work they have done to keep illicit drugs off our streets and keep Long Beach safe,” said City Council President Len Torres.

Photo: Mayra Gomez/Matthew Gress/Gary Hankins. Credit: LBPD

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