Santa Maria, Calif. – Yesterday, at around 4:00 p.m., detectives with the Special Investigations Bureau and the Cannabis Compliance Team conducted a traffic enforcement stop of a vehicle in the area of Donovan Road at McClelland Street. During this traffic stop, they contacted the driver, 28-year-old Christian Sandez of Santa Maria, who was found to be on active parole and a registered sex offender.

Detectives conducted a search of Sandez’ vehicle and located a large amount of packaged cannabis infused candy, processed cannabis flower, concentrated cannabis and cannabis vape products, which he possessed for the purpose of sales. Sandez does not hold a California Bureau of Cannabis Control retail or sales license. He was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales with a prior (felony), and was booked at the Main Jail where he is being held without bail for a violation of parole.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Cannabis Compliance Team would like to remind parents to check and monitor all of their children’s candy, especially as we approach Halloween. These cannabis infused products are intentionally packaged to resemble normal candy and can easily be mistaken.