San Joaquin County sheriff’s deputies recently assisted with the apprehension of several suspects, along with confiscating drugs, weapons and cash in the rural area between Escalon and Oakdale.

According to the sheriff’s department, on Tuesday night, Oct. 22 at approximately 9 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle, leading to two passengers fleeing on foot. A search of the vehicle revealed 10 to 15 bags of processed marijuana.

In response, CHP requested assistance from deputies at the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office to check on the registered owner’s residence in the area of East Lone Tree Road and Victory in Oakdale, near the Stanislaus-San Joaquin County line. Upon arrival at the residence, deputies observed various items linked to illegal drug activity, including drug paraphernalia, substances suspected to be narcotics, and other materials commonly associated with drug distribution.

During the investigation, one subject fled the scene, while several others were detained inside the residence. The property was secured, and a search warrant was obtained.

The execution of the search warrant led to the discovery of approximately 3,800 pounds of processed marijuana; six assault rifles; three handguns; and approximately $25,000 in cash.

In addition, sheriff’s officials reported that Sergio Valencia Vargas, Marco Antonio Sanchez Cruz, Tomas Martinez Castellano, Fermin Cruz Alvarez, Noel Torres-Valdavinos, Alejandro Cuevas Pulido, Angel Vargas Pulido, Gladis Rodriguez Garcia, and Sergio Sanchez Ramirez were taken into custody and booked into the San Joaquin County Jail on the following charges:

Possession of an assault weapon;

Possession of marijuana for sale;

Armed with a firearm;

Conspiracy to commit a crime;

Operating or maintaining a drug house.