SANTA MONICA—On Friday, February 15, the Santa Monica Police Department’s Narcotics/Vice Unit, as well as SWAT served multiple search warrants related to a narcotics sales investigation that started in Santa Monica.

The SMPD indicated that during the execution of the search warrant, which involved two homes; one in Lennox and another in Hawthorne, with multiple cars and persons, where detectives recuperated a large amount of weapons; 21 handguns and 8 long guns/rifles, over 4000 rounds of ammunition, cocaine, methamphetamine and heroin and a large some of currency, over $200,000.

Alejandro Cruz.

Due to the evidence recovered and information gathered, detectives arrested three individuals, two males and a female, for their role in narcotics distribution and criminal activity. The three individuals were booked at the Santa Monica Police Department Jail.

Pedro Cesar Isais, 28, from Los Angeles, was booked for 11351 H&S – Possession of heroin for the purpose of sales; 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of sales; 11370.1(a)H&S- Possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm; and 273A(b) PC – Child endangerment.

Valarie Marie Cruz, 30, from Inglewood, was booked for 11351 H&S – Possession of heroin for the purpose of sales; 11378 H&S – Possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of sales; 11370.1(a)H&S- Possession of narcotics with a loaded firearm; and 273A(b) PC – Child endangerment. Alejandro Cruz, 25, from Los Angeles was booked for 11351 H&S – Possession of heroin for the purpose of sales.

Pedro Iasais.

Canyon News spoke to Lt. Saul Rodriguez of the SMPD about the case via email. When asked if the SMPD suspect any other individuals to be involved with the weapons and narcotics seizures, Lt. Rodriguez replied, “Not certain yet. The investigation is continuing.”

He indicated that none of the suspects resisted arrest while being taken into custody. Lt. Rodriguez indicated that authorities are not certain if a larger operation is in play outside the state of California at the current time.

Detectives will be presenting the case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration. Anyone with details related to narcotic activity in the city of Santa Monica is asked to call the anonymous Narcotics Tip Line at (310) 458-2292; or the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491.