VENTURA COUNTY, CA – Ventura County Sheriff’s Deputies conducted a major drug bust on Thursday, seizing 9,000 Xanax pills, pounds of cocaine, marijuana, and other illegal narcotics. Authorities also arrested three men from Northridge, who are facing serious charges in connection with the operation.
Arrests and Drug Seizures
The drug bust led to the arrest of Alejandro Duarte (23), Brian Lopez-Reyes (25), and Anthony Garcia (18). The suspects were booked into the Ventura County Jail with $500,000 bail each. During the raid, deputies seized a variety of drugs and other illicit substances, including:
- 9,000 alprazolam pills (the generic version of Xanax)
- 547 THC vape cartridges
- 2.9 pounds of cocaine
- 2.27 pounds of marijuana
- 2.07 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms
- 2.2 ounces of methamphetamine
- 1 ounce of ketamine
- 0.4 ounces of MDMA
- Candy infused with THC and psilocybin
- Nitrous oxide (also known as “laughing gas” or “nos”)
Concerns Over Targeting Youth
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office expressed particular concern over certain items seized during the bust. Authorities highlighted that the flavored THC vape cartridges and candy infused with THC and psilocybin appeared to be targeted towards children and young people, increasing the risks to vulnerable populations.
Additionally, investigators found a ghost gun and various paraphernalia during the operation, further indicating the illegal nature of the operation.
Cash and Other Items Seized
Along with the narcotics, law enforcement officials also recovered $8,000 in cash from the suspects, further evidence of the illicit drug trade being operated in the region.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is continuing its investigation into the drug trafficking operation, which spans multiple narcotic categories. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information about criminal activity, particularly in the eastern part of Ventura County.
Detectives can be reached at (805) 371-8388, and individuals wishing to stay anonymous are encouraged to contact Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. Crime Stoppers offers a reward of up to $1,000 for tips that lead to an arrest or criminal complaint against suspects.
Call to Action
Do you have any information that could assist in this ongoing investigation? Call the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office or Crime Stoppers with tips, and help keep the community safe.
