Man Arrested With $300K, AR-15 Rifle, 90 Pounds of Weed

Authorities in Santa Barbara County announced the seizure of around 90 pounds of marijuana, an unserialized AR-15 rifle, and over $300,000 in cash from a 24-year-old man on Thursday.

Apolinar Ordaz Soriano, a resident of Santa Maria, was arrested following a warrant served at his residence on South Smith Street by investigators from the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office’s Cannabis Compliance Team.

Soriano is being charged with multiple offenses, including the sale and transportation of cannabis without a license, possession of cannabis for sale, and conspiracy.

Authorities have stated that charges for the AR-15 ghost gun are currently pending as detectives carry on with their investigation.

A news release from SBCSO emphasized the importance of protecting consumers and the integrity of the legal cannabis market. It highlighted that arresting suspects involved in illegal sales not only helps prevent organized crime but also reduces the associated violence that often accompanies illicit drug trade.

A 24-year-old individual is currently in custody at the Northern Branch Jail, with bail set at $20,000.