Massive Drug and Ghost Gun Cache Uncovered in Oxnard Bust

In a dramatic display of inter-agency collaboration, law enforcement officials in Oxnard have dealt a significant blow to drug trafficking and illegal weapons proliferation within the community. A targeted investigation culminated in the arrest of an Oxnard resident and the seizure of a staggering quantity of dangerous narcotics and untraceable firearms.

Authorities executed a search warrant on December 21 at the residence of Abraham Torres, a 29-year-old Oxnard man.

What they uncovered was a sophisticated operation, far more extensive than many might anticipate in a residential setting. The raid quickly revealed a cache of illicit items that underscored the serious threat posed to public safety.

Among the most concerning discoveries was over two pounds of fentanyl.

This synthetic opioid, known for its extreme potency, can be lethal in incredibly small doses. The seized amount, with an estimated street value of $90,000, represented thousands of potentially deadly doses that have now been prevented from reaching the streets of Ventura County, saving countless lives.

Adding another layer of danger to the operation was the discovery of ten "ghost guns." These unregistered and unserialized firearms are virtually untraceable, making them a favorite among criminals and a significant challenge for law enforcement.

The presence of these weapons, alongside fentanyl, paints a grim picture of a potentially violent drug enterprise.

Beyond the fentanyl and ghost guns, investigators also found a variety of other dangerous materials, including high-capacity magazines, various firearm manufacturing tools, and a substantial amount of ammunition.

Further reinforcing the seriousness of the charges, over $3,000 in cash, suspected to be proceeds from drug sales, and body armor were also recovered.

Torres was subsequently arrested and faces a litany of serious charges, reflecting the scale and nature of the illegal activity. These include possession for sale of fentanyl, possession of an assault weapon, possession of an unregistered firearm, manufacturing of an unregistered firearm, possession of a high-capacity magazine, and possession of body armor by a prohibited person.

Each of these charges carries significant legal penalties, underscoring the gravity of his alleged actions.

The successful operation was the result of a coordinated effort involving the Oxnard Police Department’s Drug and Organized Crime Task Force, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team, and K9 Unit, alongside crucial assistance from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

This collaborative approach highlights the dedication of multiple agencies to combatting severe criminal activity.

Torres pleaded not guilty to all charges during his initial court appearance. He remains in custody with bail set at $500,000, awaiting his next court date scheduled for January 4.

This ongoing case serves as a stark reminder of the persistent fight against dangerous drugs and illegal weapons, and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to keep communities safe from their devastating impact.