Sheriff's Narcotics Detectives Arrest Suspected Meth Dealer

Santa Barbara - June 19th, 2010

On Friday, June 18, 2010, after a seven-month long investigation, Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Narcotics Detectives arrested a Santa Barbara man suspected of dealing methamphetamine and heroin in Santa Barbara County.

Narcotics Detectives, coordinating with Sheriff Patrol Deputies, attempted to serve a search and arrest warrant for the suspect, Brandon GAFFKE (DOB 4/3/81) while he was in his vehicle in the area of Calle Real and Kellogg Ave. When the patrol deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop, GAFFKE sped away in his vehicle. GAFFKE led deputies on a pursuit through residential neighborhoods for approximately two miles until he stopped on Patterson Ave, south of Cathedral Oaks Rd.  

Narcotics Detectives determined that GAFFKE threw approximately (1) ounce of crystal methamphetamine and (3) ounces of brown powder heroin from his vehicle on to the neighborhood streets. GAFFKE also had pre-packaged heroin and methamphetamine and Ecstasy on his person, which was consistent with what was found in the streets. The street value of the methamphetamine and heroin is estimated at $10,000. Approximately $1,500 in cash was seized from GAFFKE pursuant to State Asset Forfeiture Laws. Sheriff’s detectives and deputies later served a search warrant at GAFFKE’s El Sueno Rd. residence and seized drug paraphernalia and a small amount of pills.

GAFFKE was booked into the Santa Barbara County Jail without bail due to his warrants for the following charges: 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for sales, 11379 H&S – Transportation of methamphetamine for sales, 11351 H&S – Possession of heroin for sales, 11352 H&S – Transportation of heroin for sales.

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