News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 18, 2005

Castroville Man Arrested With
"Ice" Methamphetamine And A Loaded Shotgun

Meth seized

AUG 18--MONTEREY- The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) San Jose Resident Office and Monterey Sheriff's Department announced the arrest of Serjio MARTINES-RAMIREZ, the seizure of two pounds of "ice" methamphetamine and one loaded 12 gauge shotgun.

"This case typifies the dangers associated with methamphetamine trafficking in Northern California. DEA agents are seeing an increasing number of drug dealers who are armed at the time of arrest, which is a potentially dangerous situation for the public and law enforcement," stated DEA Special Agent in Charge Javier F. Peña.

This case is the product of a two-month investigation between the Narcotics Enforcement Unit County of Monterey (NEUCOM) and the DEA San Jose Resident Office. On August 16, 2005, Serjio MARTINES-RAMIREZ, 38, of Castroville, CA, was arrested in the 11200 Block of Merritt Street, Castroville. At the time of his arrest MARTINES-RAMIREZ was found to be in possession of approximately 1 ½ pounds of "ice" methamphetamine and armed with a loaded 12 gauge shotgun.

Subsequent to MARTINES-RAMIERZ's arrest a search warrant was served at his residence in Castroville. As a result, law enforcement seized an additional ½ pound of "ice" methamphetamine, scales, packaging materials and a revolver.

MARTINES-RAMIREZ was booked into the Monterey County jail and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale, transportation of methamphetamine, possession of a loaded firearm in public, possession of a loaded firearm with controlled substances, and possession of a loaded firearm by a convicted felon.