Watsonville Traffic Stop Leads To Large Methamphetamine Bust, Cops Say

WATSONVILLE, CA — Two men were arrested on multiple charges and arrest warrants following a Watsonville traffic stop late Thursday night, police officials said. A Watsonville officer stopped a car for a traffic violation and contacted two occupants, later identified as Gabriel Penuelas and Salvador Aguilera. Police said both men, who had arrest warrants, were immediately taken into custody.

The officer allegedly found a loaded firearm and a “substantial amount of methamphetamine” during a search of the car.

“As the investigation unfolded, officers conducted a search of Penuelas’ residence,” police said in a statement. “During the search, an additional firearm was located along with a large amount of methamphetamine.”

Police said the search yielded more than two pounds of methamphetamine, along with two guns. Both men were booked into the Santa Cruz County Jail. Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to call the WPD Investigation Division at 831-768.3350 or the Crime Tip Line at 831-768.3544.

Photo courtesy Watsonville Police Department