A total of sixteen people were arrested throughout Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Ventura Counties following a six-month drug ring investigation. According to a news report in The Ventura County Star, the Santa Barbara Regional Narcotic Enforcement Team seized 16 grams of rock cocaine and 12 pounds of methamphetamine during this bust. Not only were the 16 people arrested, but eight children were also removed from their homes under the Drug Endangered Children Program. The report states that warrants were served during the June 9, 2011 drug raid and that the authorities obtained $200,000 in cash and five handguns in addition to the drugs.
Major drug busts that result in the arrests of multiple people at numerous locations can become immensely complicated. Authorities do their best to make sure that those directly connected to criminal acts are penalized. Unfortunately, it is common in these types of cases for certain individuals to be penalized more than others and for some people to be wrongfully arrested for just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Drug charges in California relating to possession and distribution often results in lengthy incarceration and heavy fines. Anyone facing serious drug charges would be well advised to immediately seek legal guidance before discussing the specifics of the case with the authorities.
The Santa Barbara drug crime defense attorneys at Sitkoff & Hanrahan serve all of Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties. We have a long history of protecting the rights of our clients and getting their charges reduced or thrown out. To discuss the specifics of your case completely free of charge, call our experienced criminal defense lawyers at 866-430-8383 today. We are here to help.