A lengthy investigation by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office Gang Task Force has led to the arrests of 10 people accused of involvement in a cocaine trafficking operation connected to the Nipomo 13 criminal street gang.
The arrests were made September 10 and 11 with assistance from the Sheriff’s Office Special Enforcement Detail and several other law enforcement agencies.
Investigators say the case involved the alleged sale of controlled substances benefiting the gang, including a conspiracy involving Munchiez 805 restaurant in rural Arroyo Grande and Head Liners barbershop in Nipomo.
Search warrants during the investigation resulted in the seizure of approximately 2.2 kilograms of cocaine, estimated to be worth $220,000, along with 25 firearms and $60,426 in cash.
Those arrested are:
- Rolando Belmontez, 41, Santa Maria
- Robert Ramirez, 43, Nipomo
- Josef Ramirez, 27, Nipomo
- Carlos Jovani Torres, 36, Portland, Oregon
- Carlos Antonio Torres, 67, Santa Maria
- Emmanuel SilvaSerna, 33, Nipomo
- Efren Rodriguez, 31, Nipomo
- Alonzo QuintanaCastillo, 33, Nipomo
- Joseph Silva, 31, Orcutt
- Esteban CarrilloGomez, 31, Grover Beach
Authorities say the suspects face conspiracy-related charges involving the sale or possession of cocaine, with gang and weight enhancements included in some cases.
Additional charges have also been requested against some suspects, including felony child endangerment, drug sales within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of assault weapons, maintaining a location for drug sales and active participation in a criminal street gang.
