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6081
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Felon in Possession of Gun & Large Quantity of Narcotics Arrested

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On August 2, 2021, around 6:20pm, a Traffic Officer on a motorcycle was on a detail conducting problem-oriented speed enforcement in the area of 4000 Calle Real. The Officer observed a vehicle where the driver was clearly not wearing a seatbelt. The Officer conducted a traffic stop and contacted the driver and passenger.

 The driver, identified as Michael J. Diaz, a 28-year-old Buellton resident, informed the Officer he did not have a valid license. When it was confirmed Diaz did not have a valid license, the Officer asked if the passenger was licensed and if they could take custody of the car so it would not have to be towed. Upon checking on the passenger’s driving status, Officers learned Angelica Sancha Hernandez, a 25-year-old Santa Barbara resident, had a warrant for her arrest. Diaz also had three active warrants for his arrest and was on active parole. Both Diaz and Hernandez were taken into custody on scene.

A search of their vehicle revealed Hernandez was in possession of a large quantity of illegal narcotics that totaled over 4 pounds. Large amounts of methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, suboxone, clonazepam, and oxycodone were all located inside the vehicle.  Also located inside the vehicle was a loaded 9mm handgun and a replica firearm that looks identical to an actual handgun. The vehicle was impounded by Officers.

Diaz was charged with Felon in Possession of Handgun (felony), Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sales (felony), Transportation of a Controlled Substance (felony), Possession of Methamphetamine for Sales (felony), Transportation of Methamphetamine (felony), Possession of a High Capacity Magazine (misdemeanor), Felon in Possession of Ammunition (misdemeanor), Use/Manufacture of a False Compartment Concealing Illegal Narcotics (misdemeanor), and the above mentioned warrants.

When booking Diaz in the Santa Barbara County Jail, it was discovered he had more narcotics hidden on him and an additional charge of Entering a Government Facility with Contraband (felony) was added. Diaz is being held without bail.

Hernandez was charged with Possession of Narcotic Paraphernalia (misdemeanor), Possession of Drugs without a Prescription (misdemeanor), and a warrant. She was booked in the Santa Barbara County Jail. Bail was set at $50,000.