Sheriff’s narcotics investigation leads to eight arrests, drug seizure
Officials say the drug network had connections to Southern California and Mexico
– A months-long investigation by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit has resulted in eight arrests and the seizure of cocaine, methamphetamine, firearms, and cash linked to a suspected drug trafficking organization operating across the region.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, detectives began the investigation earlier this year and served multiple search warrants in May following a three-month probe into the sales and distribution of illegal narcotics within the county. At the conclusion of the investigation, deputies seized approximately 3 kilograms of cocaine, 14 pounds of methamphetamine, about $80,000 in U.S. currency, and 11 firearms.
Investigators said the organization was based in northern San Luis Obispo County and maintained connections to Southern California and Mexico.
The Sheriff’s Office credited the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, the county’s Probation Department, and the Atascadero Police Department with assisting in the operation.
Eight suspects were charged in connection with the investigation:
- Jorge Castaneda, 30, of Paso Robles, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC), sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of narcotic (11370.4 HS), and transportation for sale of a controlled substance between non-contiguous counties (11352(b) HS).
- Carlos Rios, 30, of Paso Robles, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC), sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of cocaine (11370.4(a) HS), possession of a controlled substance for sale (11378 HS), enhancement over 1 kilogram of methamphetamine (11370.4(b) HS), and possession of a controlled substance for sale (11351 HS).
- Bianca Sudias Navarro, 30, of Paso Robles, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC), sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of narcotic (11370.4 HS), transportation for sale of a controlled substance between non-contiguous counties (11352(b) HS), and possession of a controlled substance for sale (11351 HS).
- Alexis Nusico Isidro, 29, of Paso Robles, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC), sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of narcotic (11370.4 HS), transportation for sale of a controlled substance between non-contiguous counties (11352(b) HS), and committing a felony while released on bail (12022.1 PC).
- Anthony Traverso, 37, of Templeton, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC) and possession of a controlled substance for sale (11351 HS).
- Argenis Zepeda Grande, 29, of Paso Robles, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC) and sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of narcotic (11370.4(a) HS).
- Jose Castaneda, 31, of Paso Robles, charged with conspiracy (182(a) PC), sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of cocaine (11370.4(a) HS), and possession of a controlled substance for sale (11351 HS).
- Zachary Hoyt, 32, of San Miguel, charged with conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC) and sales enhancement over 1 kilogram of cocaine (11370.4(a) HS).
