Press release from the Humboldt County Drug Task Force:

On August 18th, 2026, Humboldt County Drug Task Force (HCDTF) Agents served a search warrant on Javier Akeem Ruiz-Keyes, his residence in the 1700 block of Myrtle Avenue in Eureka, and a storage unit in Arcata registered to Ruiz-Keyes.

Agents detained Ruiz-Keyes without incident and located a large amount of nitrous oxide (“whip-it’s”), approximately 12.5 grams of cocaine, 1 gram of methamphetamine, 77 ecstasy pills, a digital scale, ammunition and a loaded stolen firearm. Agents then traveled to a storage unit in Arcata that was in Ruiz-Keyes’ name and located 80 Lorazepam and a firearm with the serial number removed.

Ruiz-Keyes was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility where he was booked on the following charges:

• HS11370.1(A): Possession of a controlled substance while armed 

• HS11351: Possession of cocaine for sales

• HS11378: Possession of cocaine 

• PC29800(A)(1): Felon in possession of a firearm

• PC30305(A): Felon in possession of ammunition 

• PC2022.1(b): Committing a felony while on release from jail 

• PC496(A): Buy/Receive stolen property

• PC23900: Tamper with ID marks on a firearm

• PC166(A)(4): Willful disobedience of court 

Ruiz-Keyes was also found to have an active felony warrant from the Trinity County Sheriff’s Office.

Upon further investigation, Agents recovered evidence showing Ruiz Keyes actively involved in human trafficking, pimping, and pandering of multiple victims throughout Humboldt County. Following this discovery, Ruiz-Keyes was charged with the following:

• PC236.1: Human Trafficking

• PC266H: Pimping

• PC266I: Pandering

Anyone with information related to this investigation or other narcotics related crimes is encouraged to call the Humboldt County Drug Task Force at 707-267-9976.