Ventura County Teen Arrested for Allegedly Selling Drugs to Minors

A narcotics sales investigation in Ventura County led to the arrest of a 19-year-old earlier this month for selling marijuana vape devices and narcotics to juveniles across the county, the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Units (VC FOCUS) announced on December 11, 2025.

Benjamin Marcus, a resident of Ventura County, was arrested on December 4, 2025, for allegedly supplying drugs such as psilocybin mushrooms, LSD, ketamine, marijuana, and nicotine to minors.

According to VC FOCUS, Marcus used a variety of online platforms to make the drugs widely accessible.

How the Suspect Was Caught

Detectives began investigating in November after learning of a drug delivery service targeting juveniles and young adults at schools and operating through various social media and messaging platforms.

On December 4, VC FOCUS detectives served a search warrant in the 7700 block of Eisenhower Street in Ventura, where they arrested Marcus.

Authorities also seized approximately 73 marijuana vape devices, seven containers of nicotine solution, one LSD tablet, one gram of marijuana wax, and 2.55 grams of ketamine.

Detectives also seized more than $35,500 in cash believed to be proceeds of drug sales. Marcus was booked on multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale, furnishing a controlled substance, possession of marijuana for sale, and sale or transportation of marijuana.

He later posted bail and is awaiting trial.

About VC FOCUS Unit

VC FOCUS is a multi-agency task force that includes the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, the Simi Valley Police Department, the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and federal law enforcement partners.

The task force focuses on combating fentanyl-related crimes and opioid overdoses by targeting individuals and organizations involved in drug distribution. It also monitors emerging trends among young people and participates in community education efforts.

Previous Drug Investigation in Ventura County

In a separate case earlier this month in Moorpark, detectives served a search warrant at a home on Avenida Colonia and arrested several people after locating methamphetamine, fentanyl, marijuana, and evidence of drug sales, Edhat reported on December 9. 

Detectives identified Vanessa Gonzalez as the primary suspect and arrested her on multiple drug-related charges. Four others were also arrested for being under the influence of controlled substances.

Deputies seized 4.6 grams of methamphetamine, 0.61 grams of fentanyl, and 200 grams of marijuana from the residence.