September 13, 2026 – Ventura County Sheriff's Office officials report that during the month of August 2026, Headquarters Station Deputies took a report from a concerned parent who believed their child had been exposed to illegal narcotics. The parent reported significant changes in their child’s behavior, as well as a noticeable decline in their academic performance.
Headquarters Station Deputies conducted an initial investigation, gathered evidence, and promptly notified Headquarters Station Detectives. Detectives immediately became involved and began an extensive investigation into the source of the narcotics and the circumstances surrounding their distribution to local youth.
Headquarters Station Detectives subsequently partnered with the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Unit to further investigate the allegations. During the course of the investigation, detectives identified 18-year-old Oxnard resident Dylan Ruiz as a suspected supplier of illegal narcotics, marijuana products, and nicotine products to juveniles attending local middle schools and high schools throughout the community.
Detectives learned Ruiz was allegedly operating an organized distribution system in which juveniles could select from a menu of various narcotics and related paraphernalia. Detectives also discovered that some of the narcotics were packaged in colorful containers and packaging featuring cartoon characters and other imagery that could be particularly appealing to young children. The packaging and presentation of the products further raised concerns regarding the apparent targeting of juveniles.
The investigation also revealed Ruiz would travel to different locations, including areas near local schools, to facilitate narcotics transactions.
Based on the evidence gathered during the investigation, detectives obtained a search warrant for Ruiz, his vehicle, and his residence, located in the 500 block of North Garfield Avenue in the city of Oxnard.
On September 10, 2026, detectives located Ruiz while he was driving his vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Detectives served the search warrant on Ruiz and his vehicle. During the traffic stop, Ruiz was arrested after detectives located a loaded firearm in his possession.
Detectives then followed up by serving the search warrant at Ruiz’s residence. During the search, detectives located an abundance of narcotics and other evidence believed to be associated with Ruiz’s narcotics distribution operation.
Ruiz was arrested for the following violations:
Penal Code § 27545 – Unlawful Transfer of a Firearm
Penal Code § 25400(a)(1) – Carrying a Concealed Firearm Within a Vehicle
Penal Code § 25850(a) – Carrying a Loaded Firearm on One’s Person
Health and Safety Code § 11370.1 – Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed with a Firearm
Health and Safety Code § 11378 – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale
Health and Safety Code § 11359(b) – Possession of Marijuana for Sale
Health and Safety Code § 11361(b) – Furnishing Marijuana to a Minor
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office takes the illegal sale and distribution of narcotics extremely seriously, particularly when those activities involve or target children and young people in our community. Individuals who sell or furnish illegal narcotics to juveniles put our children at significant risk and contribute to the broader challenges facing families, schools, and our community.
This investigation began with a concerned parent recognizing that something had changed with their child and having the courage to bring those concerns to law enforcement. That initial report ultimately led to a collaborative investigation involving Headquarters Station Detectives and the Ventura County Fentanyl and Overdose Crimes Unit.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office encourages parents, educators, and community members to remain vigilant and report suspected drug activity involving juveniles. Information provided by members of the community can be critical in helping law enforcement identify individuals who are attempting to exploit our youth through the illegal sale and distribution of narcotics.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, along with our law enforcement partners, will continue to investigate and pursue individuals who sell illegal narcotics to juveniles and contribute to drug-related activity in our schools and communities. Protecting the children and families of Ventura County remains one of our highest priorities, and we will continue to take decisive action against those who place our youth in harm’s way.
Ruiz was booked into the Ventura County Jail for the aforementioned charges and is being held in lieu of $50,000.00 bail.
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Nature of Incident: |
Suspect Arrested for Selling Marijuana to Local Youth |
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Report Number: |
26-105307 |
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Location: |
500 block of North Garfield Avenue in Oxnard |
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Date & Time: |
September 10th, 2026, 1450 Hours |
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Unit(s) Responsible: |
Headquarters Investigations, |
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(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence |
Age |
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(S) Dylan Ruiz |
Oxnard |
18 |
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Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to a $1,000 reward for information, which leads to arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
Source: Ventura County Sheriff's Office
