Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Press Release:

On 04-11-2014, approximately 10:00 p.m., a Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a newer Chrysler four door sedan for exceeding the posted speed limit and failing to stop at a stop sign in the Myrtletown area of Eureka. When the deputy contacted the driver of the vehicle and explained the reason for the stop, the driver told the deputy he did not have a driver’s license. The driver verbally identified himself as Mario Martinez Torres, 20 years old , from Perris, California. A DMV records check revealed Torres driver’s license was suspended. The deputy arrested Torres for driving on a suspended driver’s license. The deputy noticed both Torres and the male passenger were very nervous and evasive when they spoke with him. The deputy questioned, identified and released the male passenger in the vehicle who was an 18 year old male adult, and also from Perris, California. 

The deputy notified the Humboldt County Drug Task Force about the traffic stop and the vehicle. The Humboldt County Drug Task Force obtained a search warrant for the vehicle, which they served on 04-14-2014. During their search of the vehicle, they located hidden compartments and over four pounds of Heroin, valued at over $200,000.00. 

Charges of transportation of a controlled substance and possession for sale of a controlled substance are being sought against Torres and the male passenger. 

Anyone with information for the Sheriff’s Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriff’s Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.