Suspect Arrested On Suspicion Of Possession Of Methamphetamine

SANTA MONICA, CA — Police say a 30-year-old man who was arrested last week on suspicion of possession of methamphetamine is suspected of supplying narcotics to numerous drug dealers in Santa Monica, officials announced Monday.

Officers from the Special Investigations Unit along with the United States Drug Enforcement Agency concluded a long-term investigation into a high-level methamphetamine and cocaine dealer who is suspected of being the source of supply for numerous narcotics dealers in the City of Santa Monica, police said in a news release.

"A federal search warrant on the subject’s vehicle and residence was successfully executed due to the collaboration with the Santa Monica Police Department and DEA," police said.

The suspect, Guadalupe Edwin Zuniga, was presented a warrant last week and detained away from his home without incident, police said.

"A search of his vehicle yielded approximately 30 pounds of methamphetamine," police said. "After the subject was arrested for the methamphetamine, SIU, DEA, and CIT then executed a search warrant at the subject's residence."

"As a result of the search warrant at the residence, detectives recovered a loaded Glock style "ghost gun," extended magazine, ammunition, cocaine hydrochloride, and packaging materials," police said.

Zuniga was previously arrested on suspicion of narcotics trafficking in 2019, police said. On Thursday he was transferred to DEA and U.S. Marshals custody.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is encouraged to contact the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-8491; Detective Khansari at (310) 458-8458; or Detective McGowan at (310) 458-2201 ext 4698.