Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On February 15, 2012, Detectives from the Ventura County Combined Agencies Team (VCAT), and the Oxnard Police Department’s narcotics unit made an arrest resulting in the seizure of almost four pounds of heroin. An ongoing investigation revealed that Jose Luis Naranjo Heredia, 46, was distributing heroin throughout the city of Oxnard. Naranjo Heredia was contacted in the area of Hobson and Seventh Streets where an Oxnard Police K-9 located almost a half-pound of heroin concealed in Heredia’s vehicle. Detectives later served a search warrant at Heredia’s residence and located an additional three and a half pounds of heroin along with other materials associated with the packaging of heroin for distribution. The heroin seized has a potential street value of $136,000.00. VCAT is a countywide, multi-agency narcotic task force comprised of investigators from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The public needs to be aware of the dangers of heroin use. Heroin is an opiate narcotic, and is an illegal and highly addictive drug. Heroin and other opioids primary addictive qualities are exerted on those regions of the brain and central nervous system that are responsible for the pleasure sensation of “reward” and the “physical / psychological dependence syndrome.” Heroin itself, as well as the “drug abusing” lifestyle, may suppress the body’s immune system. This suppression makes users “high risk” for infections, some life threatening. Intravenous drug abusers account for the highest percentage of HIV (AIDS) and hepatitis virus infected population.

Anyone with information on those responsible for distributing illicit drugs anywhere in Ventura County should notify their local law enforcement agency.

Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest
Report Number: 12-2872
Location: Seventh St. / Hobson Way, Oxnard
Date & Time: 02/15/12 @ 1200 hours
Unit Responsible: Ventura County Combined Agencies Team (VCAT)
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (W)itnesses (D)ecedent City of Residence Age
Jose Luis Naranjo Heredia Oxnard 46
Deputy Preparing Media Release: Sergeant Mike Van Atta, VCAT
Media Release Date: 02/16/12
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Mike Van Atta, 383-8700
Approved by: Captain Derek West

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).