Drug Traffickers Arrested in North and South County

Santa Barbara County - October 6th, 2011

On Wednesday, October 5, 2011, after a two month long investigation, Sheriff Narcotics Detectives arrested a Santa Barbara resident suspected of dealing methamphetamine and cocaine in south Santa Barbara County. Narcotics Detectives served a search warrant Wednesday at the dealers’ residence in the 600 block of Sola St. in Santa Barbara city.

During the service of the search warrant, suspect Pedro Bailon NAVA (DOB 07/29/72) was contacted inside the residence. An additional subject, Jaime Barreto HERNANDEZ (DOB 02/10/80) was contacted as he left the residence.

Inside the residence, narcotics detectives located approximately one ounce of “Ice” methamphetamine packaged for sales and one ounce of cocaine, scales, packaging materials and other items indicative to narcotics sales. The street value of the drugs is estimated at $5,600. Additionally over $2,000 in cash was seized from NAVA pursuant to State Asset Forfeiture laws.

NAVA was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail without bail due to an immigration hold and for the following charges: 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales and 11351 H&S – Possession of cocaine for sales.

HERNANDEZ was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail without bail due to an immigration hold: 11377 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine and 11364 H&S – Possession of drug paraphernalia.

Also on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 after a two month long investigation, Sheriff Narcotic Detectives assisted by the Lompoc Police Department and Santa Maria Police Department arrested numerous suspects in North County for trafficking methamphetamine.

Detectives served search warrants at multiple locations within the city of Lompoc including the 700 block of East Ocean Ave. and the 400 block of North B Street. Two of the main suspects were contacted during a traffic stop and found to be in possession of five ounces of “Ice” methamphetamine packaged for sales. The street value of the drugs is valued at $14,000. The suspects were identified as Santana LOPEZ (DOB 1/18/87) and Jorge TAFOYA (DOB 4/28/86). Two children, ages eight and two were also located inside the vehicle. They were later released to family members.

Detectives located additional methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia at both locations in Lompoc. A wanted parolee, Eugene LOPEZ (DOB 12/17/80), was arrested while attempting to flush contraband down the toilet at the residence in the 700 block of East Ocean. A small marijuana grow operation which was accessible to (4) children was also located at the residence in the 400 block of North B Street. The suspect at that location, Manuel BAZALDUA (DOB 1/8/77) was found to be attempting to flush marijuana plants when contacted. Charges of marijuana cultivation and child endangerment are being submitted to the District Attorney’s Office.

TAFOYA and (Santana) LOPEZ were booked into the Lompoc City Jail for 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales, 11379 H&S – Transportation of methamphetamine for sales with bail set at $30,000. (Eugene) LOPEZ was booked into the Lompoc City Jail for violation of 11364 H&S – Possession of drug paraphernalia and violation of parole, without bail.

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