Firearms & Narcotics Arrest in San Marcos
October 12, 2025 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that a man is facing numerous drug and firearms-related charges after being arrested for possessing a ghost gun in San Marcos.
On Friday, October 10, just after 3:00 a.m., deputies with the San Marcos Sheriff's Station observed a man, later identified as Manuel Vargas (31), asleep behind the wheel of his car in the 1500 block of Linda Vista Drive.
Deputies observed narcotic contraband inside the passenger compartment within Vargas' reach. He was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia. Deputies also found Vargas was in possession of narcotics.
During the arrest, deputies also found a small case on the passenger floorboard within Vargas' immediate control. A search of the case revealed two firearms.
The first was an unserialized, privately manufactured, Glock-style, 9mm, black handgun. It was loaded and had a high-capacity magazine.
Unlike weapons made by a licensed manufacturer, private manufactured firearms (PMF), also known as ghost guns, do not have a serial number or other identifiable markings. The lack of a serial number makes it extremely challenging for law enforcement agencies to track these firearms to their owner or maker, hindering or delaying investigations and crime-solving efforts.
The second gun in the case was an unloaded .22 LR Pietro Beretta semi-automatic handgun.
During their investigation, deputies learned that Vargas was lawfully prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. The firearms, ammunition and narcotics were seized.
Vargas was later booked into the Vista Detention Facility. He is facing felony charges of:
- Carrying a loaded firearm in public
- Possession of an unregistered firearm
- Possession of a firearm by a prohibited person
- Possession of a high-capacity magazine
- Possession of narcotics and narcotics paraphernalia
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information that leads to 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 & photos: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
