San Juan Bautista
– Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team agents arrested a
septuagenarian grandmother and two other Mission City residents
Friday morning after a monthlong undercover sting operation.
San Juan Bautista – Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team agents arrested a septuagenarian grandmother and two other Mission City residents Friday morning after a monthlong undercover sting operation.
Agents arrested Aminta Soliz, 75, her son Carlos Soliz, 47, and Melissa Garcia, 47, during a pre-dawn raid at their home located at 207 Fifth Street in San Juan.
Aminta and Carlos Soliz were arrested on suspicion of several felonies, including selling methamphetamine and cocaine, and conspiracy, UNET Cmdr. Mark Colla said Friday.
Garcia, who happened to be in the home at the time of the raid, was arrested for being under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor.
UNET agents set up a sting operation at the home after the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office received several complaints about possible drug dealing at the Soliz residence.
Colla said UNET agents used an informant to buy drugs from the mother and son. Later, an undercover agent purchased several grams of methamphetamine and cocaine, Colla said.
UNET agents found “several” methamphetamine smoking pipes in the home Friday morning, but their search did not turn up any drugs, Colla said.
Both Aminta Soliz and Carlos Soliz have prior drug convictions, Colla said.
Carlos Soliz was out on bail at the time of his arrest on Friday. He faces drug possession charges from a Nov. 23, 2006, arrest, according to jail personnel.
Colla credited the arrests to working closely with the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office and tips from residents. He said the bust was a good example of community policing.
All three suspects are being held at the San Benito County Jail.
Carlos and Aminta Soliz could face up to four years in state prison if convicted of a single county of felony drug sales.
Brett Rowland can be reached at 831-637-5566 ext. 332 or [email protected].
