A three-month narcotics investigation in Oxnard led to the arrest of a 52-year-old man and the discovery of large quantities of drugs, illegal firearms and more than 20 dogs kept in what authorities described as inhumane conditions, according to the Oxnard Police Department and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Special Crimes Unit and Oxnard police served a search warrant around 10 a.m. on Sept. 19 at a residence in the 2000 block of North Ventura Road, the agencies said in a joint statement. Inside, officers seized nearly $11,000 in cash and about 2.2 pounds of fentanyl, enough for an estimated 51,350 potentially lethal doses. They also recovered more than six ounces of cocaine, along with methamphetamine, heroin and evidence of narcotics sales.
Investigators also recovered a stolen Winchester 30-30 lever-action rifle and a 7.62 x 39 SKS rifle. The suspect, identified as Darrell Rutledge of Oxnard, has prior felony convictions that prohibit him from possessing firearms or ammunition, authorities said.
During the search, officers found 22 dogs, including 11 puppies, many of them confined to small crates inside the apartment. Oxnard Animal Control responded and transported the animals to the Ventura County animal shelter. Four of the dogs required immediate treatment for respiratory problems, officials said.
Rutledge was arrested on suspicion of possession of controlled substances for sale, possession of an assault rifle, felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, possession of stolen property, and resisting a peace officer, according to investigators. The possible animal cruelty case remains under investigation.
Authorities credited community tips for helping lead to the arrest and encouraged anyone with information about illegal drug sales or animal neglect to contact the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office or Oxnard police.
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