SLO County SOU reports increase in drug confiscations and arrests, targeting gang-related crimes and illegal firearms
SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The Sheriff’s Office has released new data regarding its Special Operations Unit (SOU) that shows significant results in combating narcotics, firearms, and gang-related crimes in San Luis Obispo County.
The SOU is comprised of the Sheriff’s Gang Task Force and the Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit. The data highlights the totals of arrests and confiscations for the SOU for the current year starting in January. Already this year, there has been a large increase in the amount of narcotics seized compared to the entire year of 2023.
So far this year, the SOU has conducted more than 50 investigations. Detectives in the unit have authored more than 100 search warrants which resulted in more than 30 cases where the suspects involved were either arrested or the cases were filed with the District Attorney’s Office for criminal filing. The comprehensive approach of the SOU has led to the confiscation of an extensive list of illegal substances, firearms, and other contraband. Every city and most major unincorporated areas of the county are represented in these totals.
“The dedication and relentless efforts of our Special Operations Unit have made a significant impact on the safety and well-being of our community,” said Sheriff Ian Parkinson. “By targeting and dismantling these criminal networks, we are sending a clear message that illegal activities will not be tolerated.”
The following narcotics were seized so far in 2024:
- 1.18 lbs of heroin
- 15.51 lbs of methamphetamine
- 58 grams of MDMA
- 3.23 lbs of fentanyl
- 5.71 lbs of cocaine
- 250 marijuana plants
- 20 lbs of marijuana
- 2.5 lbs of psilocybin mushrooms
- 4.47 lbs of illegal pills
- 176 grams of LSD
- 12,939 counterfeit Adderall pills
- 39,450 Farmapram Xanax pills
- 2 lbs of ketamine
In addition, the SOU seized 149 firearms and one flame thrower, which were either illegally possessed or possessed in conjunction with controlled substances.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of $240,743 under asset forfeiture.
Feature Image: Adderall pills (orange pills, manufactured with methamphetamine), Farmapram Xanax pills (jars in cardboard boxes), ketamine, and a flame thrower are among the items the SLO County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Unit has seized this year. Photo provided by SLO Sheriffs
