Three Arrested on Heroin, Methamphetamine, Gang Charges

A routine traffic stop turned into a substantial victory for the Santa Cruz County Gang Task Force on Thursday evening.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., a pick-up truck was pulled over at 17th Avenue and Capitola Road in Live Oak for a code violation. After the driver, Hugo Rodriguez, 22, of Santa Cruz, was determined to be unlicensed, further investigation found him to also be in possesion of 3.8 grams of methamphetamine.

Along with Rodriguez were passengers Omar Ortega, 28, and Nestor Quevas, 29, both of Santa Cruz. 

According to an official statement from the Gang Task Force, officers also searched the rest of the truck, uncovering 301 grams of heroin, valued at $6,300. An illegal blunt-type weapon known as a slung shot, as well as $4,416 in cash were also seized. 

The weapon, according to the statement, is "evidence linking all three subjects to the trafficking of heroin and methamphetamine."

In addition, the Gang Task Force documented evidence of Ortega's connections to illegal street gang activity.

The three men were booked into jail for Transportation and Possession for Sale (heroin and methamphetamine), Possession of a Deadly Weapon and Gang Crime.