According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, the West County Street Team - made up of narcotics detectives from the VCSD, SPPD and the Oxnard Police departments - received information on the sales of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin that led to two investigations and the arrests of Jose Garcia, 48, and Anthony Ochoa, 42.
The Oxnard men, according to VCSD Sgt. Jason Hendren, were arrested on separate cases for being in possession of illegal narcotics with the intent to sell.
Narcotics investigators had received information from “multiple sources” that Garcia had been selling cocaine and methamphetamine in the cities of Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Camarillo.
On December 30, Garcia was stopped in the city of Oxnard and found to be in possession of several ounces of methamphetamine and cocaine. Hendren noted that “During the subsequent search warrant at his residence in the 500 block of West Fifth Street, investigators located two additional ounces of methamphetamine and cocaine,” along with an undisclosed amount of currency.
Garcia was arrested for suspicion of possession of methamphetamine and cocaine for sale.
Several months ago, narcotic detectives received information that Ochoa had been selling “large amounts” of heroin in the city of Oxnard.
On December 31, Ochoa was stopped leaving his residence in the 300 block of First Street.
Narcotic detectives conducted a search warrant at Ochoa’s home where they recovered nearly four pounds of heroin as well as an undisclosed amount of currency.
The street value of the heroin seized, noted Hendren, “is approximately $155,000... “
Ochoa was arrested for suspicion of possession of heroin for sale.
Both men were booked into Ventura County Jail.
The West County Street Team works cooperatively in the investigation of narcotics offenses occurring in the western portion of Ventura County including the Santa Paula area.
If anyone has information that drug sales are occurring in their neighborhood or suspect same they are urged to call the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474.
If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for certain crimes.
Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477); the call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637).
Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org
