Special Unit Arrests 18-Year-Olds for Drug Trafficking and Firearms Possession
Photo: Seized Items | Courtesy of MCSO
By Jim Emerson
SAN RAFAEL — The Marin County Specialized Investigative Unit arrested two 18-year-
olds suspected of drug trafficking. James H. Gardner, of San Rafael, and Miguel K. Sanchez-
Ceja, of San Francisco. They were booked at Marin County Jail on November 14.
Gardner was targeted in an investigation conducted by detectives from multiple Marin law
enforcement agencies. The special unit focuses on drug trafficking related-crimes.
Participants include the Marin County Sheriff’s Office, San Rafael and Novato police, Central
Marin Police Authority, and California Highway Patrol.
Gardner’s residence was searched after an undercover detective purchased cocaine and
alprazolam (Xanax) pills. Detectives recovered 20 grams of cocaine and more than 1,600
Xanax pills. They also recovered 400 doses of LSD, 40 grams of MDMA, 25 grams of
ketamine, and two pounds of psilocybin mushrooms.
The sheriff’s office said in a prepared statement, “Over $7,000 in cash was seized as
evidence of drug sales. Additionally, two unregistered 9mm handguns were recovered.”
Gardner was booked on suspicion of the following charges –
* Possession for sale of a designated controlled substance
* Possession of a controlled substance for sale
* Sale or transportation of a controlled substance
* Addict in possession of a firearm
* Possession of less than 28.5 grams of marijuana
Sanchez-Ceja was booked of suspicion of –
* Possession of a controlled substance for sale
* Possession of a firearm and controlled substances
* Carrying a loaded firearm when not the registered owner
