Deputies Arrest 3 on Drug Charges

Narcotics investigators have arrested three people on suspicion of operating a heroin and cocaine delivery service in Ventura and Oxnard.

Veronica Catero, 18, and Guillermo Ruiz, 25, were arrested Monday night after drugs were offered for sale to an undercover officer at the corner of 9th and J streets in Oxnard, authorities said.

In a search of their car, deputies with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department narcotics unit found several small packets of heroin and cocaine on the front seat and floorboard and in a magnetic container hidden under the car.

Deputies then searched the house on the 1500 block of South J Street, where the three live.

They arrested Sotero Torrez, 30, after finding 2 ounces of heroin hidden in an oven door and $3,650 of cash in a closet.

Deputies estimated the street value of the drugs at $8,000.

Police said drug customers dialed a pager to order drugs and arrange a meeting place. The undercover officer used that pager number to set up the meeting.

All three were booked into Ventura County Jail on suspicion of conspiracy to distribute heroin and cocaine.

They remained in custody Tuesday night. Bail was set at $20,000.