13,000 Prescription Pills And 13 Guns Seized In Oxnard
A total of 13 guns and about 13,000 prescription pills 13 were seized from an alleged drug trafficker and his associates in Oxnard this week.
The Ventura County Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit and Sheriff’s Gang Unit received a tip in early January that 29-year-old Alfredo Leon of Oxnard was dealing prescription medication with a number of accomplices.
The tip led authorities to Leon’s alleged associate 22-year-old Martin Ipatzi. Ipatzi was arrested on March 20 in possession of 3 guns and 700 pills including hydrocodone, a form of codeine, clonazepam, a treatment for seizures and anxiety.
Authorities searched Ipatzi’s apartment and discovered two storage lockers and other property belonging to Ipatzi. After obtaining search warrants, officials found 12,300 pills, 7 more guns and a rifle.
Ipatzi’s girlfriend, Erica Barboza, 22, was arrested days later for destroying evidence following Ipatzi’s arrest. One of the storage lockers was in her name.
After detaining Ipatzi and Barboza, detectives received a search warrant for Leon’s residence where authorities found two additional guns and more pills. Leon was arrested for conspiracy to sell.
Additional arrests are anticipated for involvement in the drug trafficking ring.
The suspects were booked into Ventura County jail for a number of drug and possession violations. Court dates are pending and the investigation is ongoing.
