Ulysses Centeno
VENTURA COUNTY — Consumer demand for the rush that accompanies methamphetamine use appears to continue unabated throughout Ventura County, as evidenced by the alleged activities of what Oxnard Police Department spokesman Detective J. Velazquez described as the ongoing operations of “a drug trafficking organization” active in the area.
Law enforcement “received information” early this year that methamphetamine was being actively marketed from the Santa Paula Auto Center, whereupon an investigation immediately ensued into the commercial activities of the business owner and Oxnard resident Ulysses Centeno. As these things generally proceed, undercover detectives soon concluded that Centeno and “his close business associate” were engaged in the shipment of significant volumes of methamphetamine and cocaine to the Auto Center. From there, Centeno was selling smaller quantities of the controlled substances to “street level narcotics dealers.”
With evidence pointing directly to Centeno as the central receiving and distribution point for area methamphetamine and cocaine products, on May 18th detectives served a warrant on his Oxnard residence, at which time they discovered two pounds of methamphetamine, amounts of currency indicating ongoing illicit sales operation, a loaded firearm, and drug packaging equipment. According to Velazquez, “the amount of methamphetamine seized would provide over 9,000 doses” and had a street value “in excess of $90,000.
Centeno was taken into custody at his residence and transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on charges of possessing narcotics for sale and conspiracy, with his bail set at $500,000.
Photo: Courtesy Ventura County Jail Booking
