YEARLONG DRUG PROBE ENDS IN AIRPORT ARRESTS

SLO COUNTY - A drug bust at the San Luis Obispo County Airport Tuesday led
to the arrest of three suspects and the seizure of more than 11 pounds of
methamphetamine with a street value of up to $300,000.

In all, seven San Luis Obispo County residents were arrested Tuesday in the
culmination of a yearlong investigation by the county Narcotics Task Force
and the FBI.

Investigators said they targeted a methamphetimine distribution network
centered in Oceano.

Authorities said they believe Juan Villa Baza, 28, of Oceano and six other
suspects arrested Tuesday have been responsible for the distribution of as
much as 10 pounds of methamphetamine a week.

An undercover NTF agent reportedly bought methamphetamine several times
during the course of the investigation, including two purchases of more
than a pound each, reports state.

Because of those purchases, investigators said federal arrest warrants were
obtained for Baza, Rafael Gomez, 27, of Oceano, Susana Ruiz Delacruz, 35,
of Oceano, and Robert Gerald Clarke, 35, of Cayucos.

All four face charges of conspiracy to distribute meth- amphetamine and
aiding and abetting the distribution of methamphetamine.

In addition, investigators obtained search warrants for two residences and
a business in Oceano and a residence in rural Arroyo Grande.

Undercover agents Tuesday arranged a meeting at the county airport with
Baza, Gomez and 39-year-old transient Larry Alvarez to buy 11 pounds of
methamphetamine for $56,000. The suspects were arrested, and agents seized
the methamphetamine.

Alvarez was charged with conspiracy to sell methamphetamine.

Reports indicate agents also arrested Alphonso Rojas Bello, 28, of Grover
Beach, after they reportedly saw him meet with Baza earlier. Bello also was
charged with conspiracy to sell methamphetamine.

Search warrants were then served at Clarke's Cayucos residence and
Delacruz's house in Oceano. Investigators also searched the Arroyo Grande
residence of Amber Harris, 18. Harris was subsequently arrested and charged
with maintaining a place where narcotics are used or sold, reports state.

Baza, Gomez, Delacruz and Clarke will appear in U.S. District Court in Los
Angeles, where they could face life imprisonment and fines of up to $4
million. Bello, Harris and Alvarez were arrested on state charges and
booked at the San Luis Obispo County Jail.

An assistant U.S. attorney will review their cases and decide if federal
charges are also warranted.

Investigators said they expect more search warrants and arrests as a result
of Tuesday's operation.

San Luis Obispo sheriff's narcotics detectives, the county Narcotics Task
Force and the FBI will continue the investigation.

(c) San Luis Obispo County Telegram-Tribune

Checked-by: Pat Dolan