Gang Task Force Targets Pass Area: Drugs, Ghost Gun Seized

PASS AREA, CA — Authorities arrested a 51-year-old Cherry Valley man on suspicion of possessing a firearm, ammunition and controlled substances for sale, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department announced Saturday.

During an investigation of Julio Cesar Castillo, members of a sheriff's gang task force served multiple search warrants in Beaumont, Calimesa and Cherry Valley.

Task force members allegedly seized approximately 28 pounds of methamphetamine, 5.5 pounds of heroin, approximately 2,000 suspected M30 fentanyl pills, 2.5 pounds of fentanyl powder, approximately 400 glass pipes commonly used to smoke methamphetamine and one unserialized 9mm Polymer-80 handgun — also known as a ghost gun — containing a loaded magazine, authorities said.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact officer Christopherson at 951-776-2553.