Roundup: $1.5M of drugs seized at auto upholstery shop, more news

Here's a roundup of recent incidents and announcements from Ventura County agencies:

Major heroin seizure follows probe

Ventura County authorities seized 33 pounds of black tar heroin along with other drugs, guns and cash during recent warrant searches in Los Angeles County, officials said Friday.

Two Long Beach men suspected of importing and distributing drugs in Ventura County were arrested in connection with the case.

The investigation involving detectives from local agencies took place in May and June, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said in a news release. The Long Beach men, age 47 and 51, had been identified as suspects who supplied drugs to a distributor who lives in Simi Valley.

Investigators obtained search warrants for the two men, their residences in Long Beach and for an auto upholstery shop in Gardena. Detectives believed one of the suspects was using the shop to store, package and distribute drugs.

On June 16, the men were arrested and their homes searched. Authorities seized firearms, cash and two vehicles believed to be used in the crimes.

Investigators also searched the auto upholstery shop in the 17000 block of Broadway Avenue in the city of Gardena. There, a Los Angeles Police Department K-9 dog reportedly indicated narcotics were present. A search uncovered heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, a semiautomatic firearm and other evidence, sheriff's officials said.

Some 33 pounds, or about 15 kilograms, of black tar heroin, 2.2 pounds of fentanyl, a pound of meth and counterfeit M30 fentanyl pills were confiscated. The street value of the drugs was estimated at $1.5 million. Six weapons and several thousand dollars in cash were also seized.

The suspects were booked into Ventura County jail and subsequently released on bail bonds.

The operation involved narcotics units with the sheriff's office, including the Thousand Oaks station, and the Oxnard Police Department.

Alleged gun traffickers arrested

Two Port Hueneme men who allegedly manufactured and sold firearms illegally were arrested Monday after an early-morning warrant search assisted by a SWAT team, the Ventura County Sheriff's Office said.

The men, 50 and 52, are also suspected of selling narcotics.

Monday's operation came after a months-long probe, officials said in a news release Friday.

During the search of the men's residence in the 500 block of Broderick Way, detectives seized a stolen Tovar rifle, two handguns — one a privately manufactured, Glock-pattern weapon with no serial number — nine privately manufactured lower receivers, gun manufacturing equipment, extended magazines, a large amount of ammunition and body armor, the sheriff's office said.

In addition, authorities found several pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, fentanyl, cocaine and other evidence of narcotics crimes.

Both suspects were arrested and subsequently charged by the Ventura County District Attorney's Office with various felonies, including being a felon in possession of a firearm. Each has an "extensive" criminal history that led to the filing of special enhancements, authorities said.

The men remained in Ventura County jail Friday night with bail set at $360,000 for one and $50,000 for the other.

Bat used in assault, officials say

A Simi Valley man allegedly hit a woman in the head with a baseball bat Thursday night after an argument, authorities said.

The Simi Valley Police Department responded to the 2300 block of Stearns Street around 8:50 p.m. after receiving a call about an assault with a deadly weapon. The two individuals knew each other but their relationship was not known, said Sgt. Duy Bui.

By the time officers arrived, the suspect had fled into the surrounding neighborhood. A search of the area that included K-9 police dogs and a Ventura County Sheriff’s helicopter was unsuccessful.

As of 11 a.m. Friday, the suspect had not been found, Bui said. Anyone with information is asked to call the police department at 805-583-6950

Roadway enforcement for July 4 holiday starts early

The Fourth of July arrives Tuesday, but beefed-up enforcement of roadways will start Friday evening in many areas, authorities said.

The California Highway Patrol announced a maximum enforcement period starting at 6 p.m. Friday and lasting through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. Extra officers will be on the lookout for DUI drivers, speeders and other unsafe activities.

The CHP said in a news release 44 people died in crashes in California during last year's Independence Day weekend. CHP officers also arrested nearly 1,000 people suspected of driving under the influence.

Local law enforcement agencies also announced stepped-up enforcement, including a DUI checkpoint in Ventura Friday night. The Oxnard Police Department plans to have extra officers looking for DUI drivers, starting on the weekend, through the 4th. Other police departments will also increase patrols.

Separately, local agencies have issued reminders that fireworks — even so-called "safe and sane" varieties — are illegal to use in Ventura County, except in the city of Fillmore until noon on July 5.

Items may be updated.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Roundup: Major heroin bust at auto upholstery shop, more news