Vallejo Man Accused Of Dealing Cocaine In American Canyon

NORTH BAY, CA — A 26-year-old Solano County man was arrested this week by the Napa Special Investigations Bureau on allegations that he sold cocaine in American Canyon. Joseph Lopez, a Vallejo resident, was taken into custody Tuesday after he allegedly sold the narcotic to an undercover NSIB detective, according to a news release from NSIB Lt. Gary Pitkin.

The arrest of Lopez followed an investigation that began in the fall when NSIB detectives became aware that a man who went by a certain moniker (nickname) was reportedly selling cocaine in American Canyon, Pitkin said. Using surveillance techniques, they identified the alleged dealer as Lopez, a resident of the 400 block of McGrue Circle in Vallejo, the lieutenant said.

In December, an NSIB detective went under cover and contacted Lopez to arrange a purchase of cocaine.

"Lopez then dispatched a runner to deliver the cocaine to the undercover NSIB detective in American Canyon," Pitkin said.

It is alleged that on Monday, Jan. 8, Lopez contacted the undercover detective again with the goal of selling more cocaine.

According to Pitkin, the detective agreed to meet Lopez the next day, Jan. 9, in a parking lot in American Canyon.

But once the alleged coke deal was done, more NSIB detectives, along with members of the American Canyon Police Department, closed in and arrested Lopez on suspicion of the transaction.

NSIB detectives then went to Vallejo and served a warrant at Lopez's home, where allegedly, they found and seized more cocaine for sale, packaging materials and other evidence of drug sales, and a loaded handgun.

Lopez was booked into Napa County jail on suspicion of selling cocaine, possession of cocaine for sale and being armed with a loaded handgun while in possession of the illegal drug.

Pitkin said NSIB will also seek a criminal complaint from the Napa County District Attorney's Office against the person who allegedly delivered cocaine to the NSIB detective for Lopez in December.

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