The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office shared this image of 350 pounds of methamphetamine and multiple firearms seized on Dec. 17, 2025.
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by: Cameron Kiszla
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is touting “the seizure of hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and illegal firearms” from a “Mexico-based drug trafficking organization” after a two-month investigation.
Officials said in a news release that the organization, which they didn’t identify, depended upon Sergio Sanchez of Moreno Valley to operate a safehouse, helping transport drugs from the Southwest border and allow them to be distributed in Southern California, including Ventura County.
Sanchez, who was working with co-conspirators, including Ventura County residents, was arrested in the 11900 block of Indian Street in Moreno Valley on Dec. 17, the VCSO said.
That was the location where Sanchez “stored, packaged and delivered bulk shipments of methamphetamine, the VCSO added.
Searching Sanchez’s home, detectives say they found “approximately 350 pounds of methamphetamine, five rifles, ammunition, two handguns, U.S. Currency, and additional evidence to support drug sales.”
Though the VCSO said they seized five rifles and two handguns, an image supplied by the agency seems to show that four rifles and three handguns were seized.
Sanchez faces the following charges:
- Possession for sale of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance with a loaded firearm
- Possession of an assault weapon
- Carrying a concealed weapon
He also faces enhancements for the weight of the drugs and special allegations involving possession of drugs while armed.
The VCSO said Sanchez was freed while charges were pending, and it’s unclear if he’s been taken back into custody. He did not appear in a search of jail records.
“This case is a great example of the impact that local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies can have when they work together to dismantle transnational criminal organizations,” said Assistant Sheriff Victor Fazio.
https://ktla.com/news/officials-seize-350-lbs-of-meth-7-guns-in-southern-california-vcso/