Humboldt County Drug Task Force press release: 

Verdugo-Martinez

On July 25, 2017 at about 10 a.m. Special Agents served a search warrant on an apartment located in the 2400 block of Newberg Road in Fortuna. They were assisted by two narcotics detection K-9’s. One from the Sheriff’s Office and one from the District Attorney’s Office.

On scene, agents located the target of their investigation, 24 year old Joaquin Verdugo-Martinez. In addition they located Joaquin’s live-in girlfriend, her 3-year-old son and Joaquin’s mother. Based on the month long investigation and evidence located on scene, Joaquin’s mother and live-in girlfriend are not believed to be involved in the distribution of narcotics.

Inside the apartment agents located approximately 1 pound of suspected heroin, three pounds of suspected methamphetamine, approximately 1 pound of suspected concentrated cannabis, two loaded firearms, digital scale, and packaging material. Joaquin was placed under arrest for possession of a controlled substance for sale, possession of a narcotic for sale, possession of a firearm while in possession of a narcotic and child endangerment.

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes are encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-444- 8095 or the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Tip Line at 707-268- 2539.