Santa Maria, Calif. – Detectives from the Cannabis Compliance Team have arrested a Santa Maria man for illicit marijuana sales as well as a weapons violation. Detectives began their investigation in early March, when they found indications on social media that a subject was selling illicit marijuana in the Santa Maria area. Based on their investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 23-year-old Alexis Silviano Vazquez Guzman.

On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, detectives served a search warrant at Vazquez Guzman’s residence in the 300-block of E. Bunny Avenue in Santa Maria. As a result, detectives seized approximately 1,104 THC vaporizer pens/cartridges, 335 pre-rolled cannabis joints, 34 packs of THC edibles, 33 miscellaneous battery packs/pods for THC vaporizer pens, approximately three pounds of cannabis flower, one handgun that was not serialized, and approximately $37,597 in cash. Detectives believe that, similar to a previous case, these marijuana products were purchased legally with the intent to resell without a license, via delivery, often to minors using social media apps.

Vazquez Guzman was arrested and booked at the Northern Branch Jail for misdemeanors including possession of marijuana for sales, transportation for sales, possession of a firearm without a serial number, and unsafe storage of a firearm as well as felonies including selling marijuana to a minor and possession for sales to a minor. Vazquez Guzman has since been released on bail.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office would like to offer tips to parents for recognizing when your child may be using social media to purchase cannabis products. As social media platforms become more integrated into daily life, they are increasingly being misused for illegal activities — including the purchase of cannabis products, often by minors. The Sheriff’s Office encourages parents and guardians to stay informed and vigilant. Here are important signs and tips to help you recognize and address this behavior:

1. Unfamiliar or Slang Language in Messages

• Look for terms like “plugs,” “gas,” “loud,” “trees,” or emojis like the maple leaf 🍁, cloud 💨, or a fire 🔥. These are often coded references to cannabis.
• Pay attention to abbreviations like “DM for menu” or “hit me up.”

2. Sudden Increase in Privacy or Secretiveness Online

• Watch for changes in device use: quickly closing screens, deleting messages, or using secret accounts (“finstas” — fake Instagrams) and encrypted apps (e.g., Telegram, Snapchat, Wickr).
• Unusual patterns like staying up much later to “talk to friends” could also be a clue.

3. Unexpected Cash Transactions or Use of Payment Apps

• Keep an eye on unfamiliar transactions through apps like CashApp, Venmo, or even gift cards.
• Watch for sudden requests for cash or unexplained disappearance of money or valuables.

4. Packages Arriving at Home with No Clear Origin

• Cannabis products are often delivered discreetly by mail.
• Be cautious if your child receives unmarked packages, especially if they seem overly eager to intercept deliveries.

5. Changes in Behavior, Appearance, or Health

• Look for signs of cannabis use: bloodshot eyes, unusual smells on clothing or in their room, increased appetite (“the munchies”), lethargy, or shifts in mood and motivation.

6. Access to Vape Pens or Edibles

• Many cannabis products marketed on social media look like regular candy, baked goods, or ordinary vape pens.
• If you find unfamiliar edibles or vape pens with no nicotine labeling, it could indicate cannabis use.

 How Parents Can Respond:

• Talk early and often: Open, judgment-free conversations about drug use are proven to be effective.
• Stay involved: Know your child’s friends, monitor their social media use, and keep devices out of bedrooms overnight.
• Set expectations: Make it clear what your family’s rules and consequences are regarding drug use.
• Educate yourself: Understand the slang, products, and platforms your child might be exposed to.
• Partner with the school: Stay in touch with teachers, school resource officers, and counselors.
• Report concerns: If you suspect illegal activity online, contact local law enforcement.

Early intervention can make a significant difference. Stay connected, stay informed, and help your child navigate the online world safely. Anyone with information about illicit marijuana sales can contact our Cannabis Compliance Team at 805-681-4150. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can provide information by calling our tip line at (805)681-4171 or online at SBSheriff.org.

###