July 27, 2023 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on July 21^st, 2023, the West County Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) detectives arrested Blake Northrop for possession for sales of a controlled substance, transportation for sales of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession of a smoke grenade, unlawful transfer of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, possession of illegal fireworks, and illegal possession of assault rifles and handguns.

During the third week of July 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit (SEU) detectives began an investigation into Northrop for illegal sales of controlled substances and illegal possession of firearms.

On July 20^th, 2023, West County Special Enforcement Unit detectives obtained a signed search warrant for Northrop and his residence located at the 2600 block of Yardarm Avenue in the city of Port Hueneme.

On July 21^st, 2023, detectives executed the search warrant and detained Northrop outside his residence pursuant to the search warrant. During the execution of the search warrant, detectives seized, 5 rifles, 4 assault rifles, 1 shotgun, 3 handguns, firearm manufacturing parts, brass knuckles, extended rifle magazines, a large cache of ammunition, illegal fireworks, illegal narcotics and a large sum of US currency believed to be proceeds from narcotics sales.

Northrop was arrested for possession for sales of a controlled substance, transportation for sales of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, possession of a smoke grenade, unlawful transfer of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of a firearm, convicted felon in possession of ammunition, possession of illegal fireworks, and illegal possession of assault rifles.

Northrop was transported to the Pre-Trial Detention Facility and booked into jail.

On July 22^nd, 2023, Northrop posted $50,000 bail and was released from custody. Northrop is scheduled to appear for court on August 4^th, 2023.

Nature of Incident: Convicted Felon in Possession of Numerous Firearms and Narcotics

Report Number: 23-90027

Location: 2600 block of Yardarm Avenue, Port Hueneme

Date & Time: 7/21/2023 @ 12:00 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Special Enforcement Unit – West

The West County Special Enforcement Unit is comprised of eight detectives whose focus is assisting patrol services with the investigation of various crimes including but not limited to the investigations of illegal firearms. The Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase in unlawful firearm activities in Ventura County, including illegal “ghost guns”. If you have any information about illegal weapons, please contact Detective Matt Smith at 805-797-2891.   

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.                                                                                      

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source & photo: Ventura County Sheriff's Office