Routine Tailgating Stop Unearths Ghost Gun, Cocaine, and Cash in American Canyon

What began as a routine traffic stop for a simple tailgating violation quickly unraveled into a major bust in American Canyon, yielding a dangerous combination of firearms, illicit drugs, and a significant amount of cash.

On the evening of Thursday, December 28, 2023, deputies with the Napa County Sheriff's Office, responsible for policing American Canyon, initiated a traffic stop after observing a vehicle tailgating another car.

The stop, intended for a minor infraction, soon revealed a much more serious situation unfolding within the vehicle.

Upon further investigation, officers made a startling discovery. They located a loaded 'ghost gun' – an unserialized and untraceable firearm – along with a high-capacity magazine, capable of holding an increased number of rounds.

In addition to the dangerous weapon, deputies also uncovered a stash of suspected cocaine, packaged in a manner consistent with drug sales, and a substantial amount of U.S. currency, often indicative of narcotics trafficking.

The driver, identified as 32-year-old Roberto Espinoza of Vallejo, was immediately taken into custody.

He now faces a litany of serious felony charges. These include possession of a loaded unregistered firearm, possession of cocaine for sale, carrying a loaded firearm in a vehicle, and possession of a large capacity magazine. The incident highlights the critical role of vigilant traffic enforcement in uncovering more serious criminal activity and keeping communities safer.