Largest Brown Heroin Bust in Department's History

Santa Barbara - April 8th, 2009

On Tuesday, April 7, 2009, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Narcotics Detectives assisted by the Santa Barbara Police Department, Santa Maria Police Department and the Santa Barbara Regional Narcotic Task Force (SBRNET) concluded a six month long investigation into suspected heroin and methamphetamine dealers in Santa Barbara County. Narcotics Detectives served search warrants at three residences in the 80 block of Vista Del Mar, 1100 block of Punta Gorda St. and 1000 block of E. Cota St. in Santa Barbara. A fourth search warrant was served at a storage facility on S. Calle Cesar Chavez, also in Santa Barbara.

During the service of the search warrants, one of the suspects, Joaquin PEREZ (DOB 09-05-1969), was contacted nearby in his vehicle. He was subsequently found to be in possession of approximately 2 ½ ounces of heroin and methamphetamine packaged for sales. The additional suspect, Gilbert HERRERA (DOB 04-07-76) was contacted inside the residence in the 80 block of Vista Del Mar.

Approximately 3 ½ pounds of brown powder heroin and ½ pound of crystal methamphetamine was located at the residence. Two firearms, including a sawed off shotgun and additional items related to the sales of narcotics were also located.

The street value of the heroin is estimated at $158,800 and the methamphetamine is valued at $19,600. This is the largest brown powder heroin seizure in the history of the Sheriff’s Department. Brown powder heroin seizures are rare as black tar heroin is more prevalent in this area. More than $20,000 in cash was seized from Perez’s storage locker pursuant to State Asset Forfeiture Laws.

PEREZ was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail without bail due to his State Parole hold for violations of 11351 H&S – Possession of heroin for sales 11352 H&S – Transportation of heroin, 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales, 182 P.C. – Conspiracy and 3056 P.C. – Violation of parole.

HERRERA was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail with bail set at $100,000 for violation of 11351 H&S – Possession of heroin for sales, 11352 H&S – Transportation of heroin, 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales, 182 P.C. – Conspiracy. Additional firearm and enhancement charges will also be submitted to the District Attorney’s Office for review.

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