Santa Maria Man Arrested for Illicit Marijuana Sales 

March 19, 2025 – Santa Maria, CA – Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office officials report that the Cannabis Compliance Team detectives have arrested 25-year-old Apolinar Ordaz from Santa Maria for illicit marijuana sales. On Thursday, March 13, 2025, detectives served search warrants in the 200-block block of Rochelle Lane in Santa Maria and at Ordaz’s residence in the 2000-block of Sandalwood Drive in Tanglewood. During the searches, deputies discovered an illicit marijuana sales business with evidence that Ordaz was shipping marijuana from online sales to states where cannabis sales are prohibited. As a result, Ordaz was arrested and booked at the Northern Branch Jail for one felony and two misdemeanor marijuana violations, which includes interstate marijuana shipping violations. He is also being held without bail for a violation of probation for a previous charge in 2024.

Enforcing the arrest of suspects involved in illegal cannabis sales is a crucial task of the Cannabis Compliance Team, aimed at upholding the integrity of the legal cannabis industry and protecting public safety. Sheriff Brown said, “It is important to realize that illegal marijuana distribution and sales operations negatively impact the legal cannabis industry by offering unregulated products.”

In addition to protecting consumers and the integrity of the legal cannabis market, arresting suspects involved in illegal sales helps prevent organized crime and the associated violence that often accompanies illicit drug trade. This proactive approach by the Santa Barbara County Cannabis Compliance Team reinforces the rule of law and promotes a safer environment for both industry stakeholders and the public. Overall, the enforcement of arrests for illegal marijuana sales is an essential element in maintaining a well-regulated and responsible cannabis industry.

Source & photos: Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office