Ventura County Man Arrested in Large Meth and Weapons Bust

A Moreno Valley man was arrested by the Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT) on December 17, 2025, following a two-month investigation that led to the seizure of hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine and illegal firearms.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect, 36-year-old Sergio Sanchez, operated out of a residence on the 11900 block of Indian Street in Moreno Valley. Investigators said the location was used to facilitate large-scale drug trafficking operations.

Investigators said the operation involved a Mexico-based drug trafficking organization that smuggled methamphetamine across the Southwest border into Southern California.

Once in the U.S., the methamphetamine was stored in secure locations, including Ventura County, before being distributed. Investigators subsequently obtained search warrants for Sanchez and his residence.

Investigation Leads to Large Methamphetamine and Weapons Seizure https://t.co/PGELL7DoCT

— Ventura County Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) January 20, 2026

During the search, detectives seized approximately 350 pounds of methamphetamine, five rifles, two handguns, ammunition, and cash.

Sanchez was arrested in connection with the seized drugs and released pending review by the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. On January 14, 2026, he was formally charged with possession of methamphetamine for sale, firearm violations, and other related offenses.

Detectives identified Sanchez as a U.S.-based drug trafficker who managed safe houses storing large quantities of methamphetamine. He was also responsible for packaging and coordinating deliveries, activities tied directly to the Moreno Valley residence.

Sanchez is expected to appear in Ventura County court as the case proceeds.

The Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT) is a multi-agency task force that includes the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Oxnard Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, California National Guard, and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office.

In a separate case, a month-long investigation into a drug network operating across Ventura and Los Angeles counties led to the arrest of five individuals connected to large-scale narcotics distribution on December 11, 2025, Edhat reported previously.

Investigators discovered a supply chain moving methamphetamine and cocaine from Los Angeles into Ventura County, with Oxnard as a key distribution hub. Multiple raids at residences uncovered large quantities of drugs, firearms, and cash.

Several suspects were taken into custody on charges including drug sales, transportation, conspiracy, and weapons possession. Prosecutors in Ventura and Los Angeles counties are reviewing the cases as part of a multi-agency crackdown on organized drug trafficking.