San Luis Obispo County deputies arrest 10 suspected drug dealers

September 11, 2026

By KAREN VELIE

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested 10 people on Thursday and Friday following a lengthy investigation into the Nipomo 13 criminal street gang. The investigation focused on the sale of controlled substances in SLO County.

The investigation uncovered a conspiracy to sell controlled substances from two businesses, Munchiez 805 restaurant located in rural Arroyo Grande and Head Liners barbershop located in Nipomo.

During the investigation, detectives seized 2.2 kilograms of cocaine (estimated street value of approximately $220,000), 25 firearms, $60,426 in cash, and other evidence related to drug sales and gang activity.

As part of the investigation, detectives identified co-conspirators, conducted interviews, reviewed social media and cell phone evidence and analyzed surveillance video.

Deputies arrested 10 suspects:

Rolando Belmontez, 41, of Santa Maria for conspiracy to sell cocaine with a gang enhancement.

Robert Ramirez, 43, of Nipomo for conspiracy to sell cocaine with a gang enhancement.

Josef Ramirez, 27, of Nipomo for conspiracy to sell cocaine with a gang enhancement.

Carlos Jovani Torres, 36, of Portland for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

Carlos Antonio Torres, 67, of Santa Maria for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

Emmanuel SilvaSerna, 33, of Nipomo for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

Efren Rodriguez, 31, of Nipomo  for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

Alonzo QuintanaCastillo, 33, of Nipomo for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

Joseph Silva, 31, of Orcutt for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

Esteban CarrilloGomez, 31, of Grover Beach for conspiracy to possess cocaine for sale with a weight enhancement involving more than one kilogram.

The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the agencies that assisted with these arrests, including the San Luis Obispo County District Attorney’s Office, San Luis Obispo Regional SWAT Team, Santa Maria Police Department, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office, and Portland Police Bureau.

Detectives have also requested additional charges against some of the individuals listed above based on information developed during the investigation. These charges include felony child endangerment, sales of a controlled substance within 1000 feet of a school, possession of assault weapons, maintaining a location for the sale and use of a controlled substance, and active participation in a criminal street gang.