2 Arrested On Drugs, Weapons Offenses During North County Traffic Stop

SAN MARCOS, CA — Two men were arrested after authorities found drugs and a ghost gun during a traffic stop in San Diego's North County, officials said Thursday.

Deputies from the San Marcos Sheriff's Station conducted a traffic stop shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday on North Las Posas Road near West Borden Road in San Marcos, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Christian Verduzco, 19, and Jonathan Ramirez, 20, and two female juveniles were in the vehicle. Deputies saw the girls were in possession of marijuana products, according to the sheriff's office. The driver of the vehicle, Verduzco, admitted there was a gun in the back seat near the juveniles.

Deputies detained all four and searched the vehicle. They found a loaded, privately manufactured weapon, commonly known as a ghost gun, in the back seat. The gun was classified as an illegal short-barreled rifle, the sheriff's office said. They also found cocaine, hundreds of marijuana vape products, and U.S. currency in the vehicle.

Verduzco was arrested on suspicion of several weapons violations, narcotics violations and child endangerment. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility.

Ramirez was arrested on suspicion of possession of marijuana for sales. He was cited and released for the misdemeanor violation.

The juveniles were released to their parents.