Sheriff's Narcotics Detectives Bust Meth / Cocaine Ring

Santa Barbara - July 3rd, 2010

On July 2nd, 2010, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit, with assistance from the Santa Maria Police Department, San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Agency concluded a four month long investigation of a sophisticated methamphetamine/cocaine trafficking operation in the Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo and Kern County areas.  The investigation concluded with a search warrant served at several locations in the Santa Maria, Nipomo and Bakersfield areas. 

During the service of the search warrant, the main suspect, 58 year old Pedro Villa PEREZ (DOB 06-29-52) was found to be in possession of:

• 3 pounds of cocaine
• ½ pound of methamphetamine
• Packaging materials
• Concealed compartments

PEREZ was contacted during a traffic stop and found to have a hidden compartment in his vehicle which contained the narcotics.  A search warrant in the 400 block of Orchard, Nipomo, CA, at PEREZ’s residence, revealed more narcotics hidden inside of a Coleman ice chest, which had been equipped with a hidden compartment.  It was ascertained that PEREZ was purchasing large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine and distributing them in the Central Coast area and Bakersfield.  The investigation also concluded PEREZ was transporting narcotics over several non-contiguous counties. 

A search warrant was also served in the 8300 block of Kern Canyon, Bakersfield, CA at PEREZ’s son’s residence.  During the service of the search warrant, 27 year old Guni Villa LUGO and 25 year old Glenda VILLA were contacted inside the residence.

PEREZ is known to stay at LUGO’s residence and frequents the Bakersfield area.  While serving the search warrant, agents from the DEA located another ice chest with a hidden compartment.  Inside of the hidden compartment, agents located a ¼ pound of methamphetamine and 3 handguns.  It was ascertained both LUGO and VILLA knew about the methamphetamine and guns and were involved with PEREZ in the sales of narcotics. 

Another search warrant was served in the 1100 block of George Drive in Orcutt, CA at the residence of 28 year old Alejandro SANCHEZ.  During the service of the search warrant, SANCHEZ was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and $4,100 in cash.

PEREZ was arrested Friday, July 2nd, 2010 and booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail with $100,000 bail for the following charges: 11351 H&S – Possession of cocaine for sales, 11352 H&S – Transportation of a controlled substance, 11352(b) H&S, Transportation of a controlled substance between non-contiguous counties, 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales, 11379 H&S – Transportation of a controlled substance, 11379(b) H&S, Transportation of a controlled substance between non-contiguous counties, and 11366.8(a) H&S – Use of a hidden compartment to transport narcotics.

LUGO and VILLA were arrested Friday, July 2nd, 2010 and booked into the Kern County Jail for the following charges:  11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales, and 12022(c) PC – Possession of a firearm while engaged in narcotic sales.

SANCHEZ was arrested Friday, July 2nd, 2010 and booked into Santa Barbara County Jail with 30,000 for the following charges:  11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales.

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please contact Drew Sugars, Public Information Officer.

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