August 24, 2023 - Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that on detectives assigned to the Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT) concluded their investigation into a Mexico based drug trafficking organization responsible for the importation of bulk quantities of methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine from Mexico into the United States.  Investigators learned this organization smuggled the methamphetamine into the United States in liquid form.  Once inside the United States, the methamphetamine was converted from a liquid form to a solid “crystal” form.  Once crystalized, the methamphetamine was then transported in bulk by drug couriers to wholesale customers located in the greater Los Angeles area, including Ventura County. 
 
On August 18, 2023, VCAT investigators developed information which indicated a large shipment of methamphetamine was destined for the city of Fillmore. During this operation, investigators observed Downey resident, Erick Montoya in the McDonald’s parking lot in the 900 Block of Ventura Street, Fillmore. Montoya was associated with a blue Honda Sport Utility Vehicle. Investigators developed probable cause to believe Montoya was in possession of methamphetamine. Montoya was contacted and detained at the scene. A Fillmore Police K-9 was used to conduct a sniff search of Montoya’s vehicle.  The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle. 
 
A search of the vehicle was conducted.  During the search, investigators located approximately 56 pounds of methamphetamine inside a cardboard box in the rear cargo area of the vehicle.  In addition, investigators also located several thousand dollars of suspected drug proceeds, multiple cellular telephones, and several grams of cocaine.  Erick Montoya was transported and booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility. The street value of the seized narcotics is estimated at an excess of $1.2 million dollars.  This case will be presented to the District Attorney’s Office for filing. 
VCAT is a task force made up of Ventura County regional law enforcement agencies working in conjunction with Special Agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI).  The primary mission of this partnership is to disrupt and dismantle major drug trafficking organizations responsible for the introduction of bulk quantities of dangerous narcotics into Ventura County. 

Nature of Incident: Major Methamphetamine Seizure

Report Number: 23-106761

Location: 900 Block of Ventura Street, Fillmore CA

Date & Time: 8/18/2023 @ 7:45 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Ventura County Combined Agency Team (VCAT)

Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Unit (VC FOCUS)

Fillmore Police Department

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