Drug Dealer Gets 11-Year Sentence

An Escondido man described as a ringleader of a cocaine distribution operation from Panama was sentenced Thursday to 11 years in state prison.

Abdiel Antonio Ariza, 22, was also fined $500 by San Diego Superior Court Judge Michael Wellington.

Also sentenced Thursday were two 19-year-old men from Oceanside for their roles in the operation, dubbed “Panama Blue” by law enforcement officials.

Jamie Spencer received a nine-year prison sentence plus a $500 fine. Anthony Dunn was sentenced to six years in prison and fined $300.

All three pleaded guilty last month to selling cocaine.

Deputy Dist. Atty. Tracey Lazarus said afterward that the trio’s sentences bring the case to a close, except for a fugitive who is still missing.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Troney Upsher, who is in his 20s and last lived in Oceanside.