A suspect living at a Santa Ana apartment complex for the homeless was caught selling narcotics

As part of an ongoing investigation, SAPD Directed Enforcement Officers obtained a search warrant for a subject’s residence in connection with the sale of narcotics.

Officers executed the search warrant at an apartment in the Orchard Apartments, located at 2151 E. 1st Street, and seized:

• 48.5 grams of crack cocaine
• 10 grams of heroin
• 4 grams of methamphetamine
• 15 fentanyl pills
• $443 in US Currency

Great work by the SAPD officers getting more drugs off the streets!

About the Orchard Apartments

Located just outside downtown Santa Ana, The Orchard Apartments are one of CDP’s adaptive reuse and rehabilitation projects, designed to serve Santa Ana’s chronically homeless population. Formerly the Guest Inn and Suites motel, this 72-unit permanent supportive housing community is thoughtfully designed to foster resident engagement through communal activities and long-term case management opportunities.

In California, the penalties for possessing and selling controlled substances like crack cocaine, methamphetamine, fentanyl, and heroin are quite severe::

Possession

• Simple Possession: Possessing small amounts for personal use can lead to misdemeanor charges under Health and Safety Code 11350(a). Penalties may include up to one year in county jail and fines.
• Possession with Intent to Sell: This is a more serious offense under Health and Safety Code 11351. Evidence such as large quantities, packaging materials, or scales can lead to felony charges, with penalties including up to four years in state prison.

Sale and Distribution of Illegal Narcotics

• Selling or Distributing: Selling or distributing these substances is a felony under Health and Safety Code 11352. Penalties can range from three to nine years in state prison, depending on the quantity and circumstances.
• Trafficking: Large-scale trafficking can result in even harsher penalties, including longer prison sentences and substantial fines.

California law treats these offenses very seriously due to the high potential for abuse and harm associated with these drugs.

Art Pedroza Editor

Our Editor, Art Pedroza, worked at the O.C. Register and the OC Weekly and studied journalism at CSUF and UCI. He has lived in Santa Ana for over 30 years and has served on several city and county commissions. When he is not writing or editing Pedroza specializes in risk control and occupational safety. He also teaches part time at Cerritos College and CSUF. Pedroza has an MBA from Keller University.

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