Joint warrant search results in two arrests tied to heroin

Passersby on South Mill Street Friday got more than they had probably planned when a lunchtime raid by Santa Paula Police and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit gathered to serve a warrant around the corner. According to SPPD Sr. Officer Allen Macias, the July 20 narcotics search warrant was served on a residence in the 900 block of East Ventura Street. 

“There were about 10 of us” from the SPPD and VCSD at the scene, noted Macias. A SPPD K-9 Unit was also utilized for the warrant search. After assembling on South Mill Street, the combined force - some in SWAT regalia - jogged around the corner to the residence where Sarah Alaniz, 52, and Jose Luna, 51, were both taken into custody on suspicion of various charges related to illegal narcotics.

Macias said the action had resulted from a month-long investigation that was a joint SPPD and VCSD effort. The investigation was “generated through several complaints throughout the area” that the home - shared by Alaniz and her daughter - was the source of heavy foot traffic, often an indicator of illegal drug activity.

Alaniz was arrested on suspicion of possession of heroin for sales. Luna was taken and booked into custody for suspicion of being under the influence of a narcotic.

Anyone with information on illegal sales of narcotics is asked to contact the Santa Paula Police Department, 525-4474 Ext. 146. If the caller would prefer to remain anonymous, they can call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-4253-1-#.