In a crackdown on untraceable firearms, San Marcos Sheriff's deputies made a significant arrest during a routine traffic stop on North Las Posas Road near West Borden Road, apprehending two adult males, Christian Verduzco, and Jonathan Ramirez, along with two juvenile females after a ghost gun. Narcotics were found in their vehicle, and enforcement efforts such as this reflect a growing concern over the circulation of these anonymous weapons, which, unlike those produced legally, bear no serial numbers to aid in crime tracking or prevention.
The deputies stopped the vehicle for undisclosed reasons yesterday, just before 5 p.m. Upon searching the vehicle, after Verduzco admitted to having a gun on the back seat, they discovered the loaded short-barreled rifle, deemed an illegal ghost gun, which poses a significant challenge to law enforcement due to its lack of identifiable markings; the search further revealed cocaine, U.S. currency, and hundreds of marijuana vape products according to a statement obtained by the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
Subsequently, Verduzco now faces several charges, including weapons violations, narcotics violations, and child endangerment, and was booked into the Vista Detention Facility, Ramirez, on the other hand, was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales and was cited and released for this misdemeanor violation, while the two female juveniles were released to their parents after being found in possession of marijuana products.
The San Marcos Sheriff's deputies are sending a clear message with their commitment to removing these danger-prone firearms from the streets of North County, ghost guns especially, which have long plagued communities with their easy procurement and untraceability that hampers law enforcement efforts in tying crimes back to perpetrators; residents concerned about criminal activities can reach out to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office by calling (858) 868-3200 the public's help is continually sought as a valuable asset in maintaining safety and lawfulness within the community.
Individuals are encouraged to visit the San Diego County Sheriff's Department website for further details on the arrest and the ongoing efforts to combat the spread of illegally manufactured firearms.
