SAN MARCOS, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Deputies in North County discovered a firearm, narcotics and marijuana products during a traffic stop Wednesday afternoon, according to a release Thursday from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.
Just before 5 p.m., deputies pulled over a vehicle on North Las Posas Road near West Borden Road in San Marcos.
The occupants included 19-year-old Christian Verduzco and 20-year-old Jonathan Ramirez, along with two juvenile females in the back seat, according to authorities.
Verduzco, the driver, admitted to deputies there was a gun in the back seat.
After a search of the vehicle, deputies discovered a loaded ghost gun, classified as an illegal short-barreled rifle, in the back seat.
Ghost guns do not have serial numbers or identifiable markings, which makes it challenging for law enforcement agencies to track them to their owner or manufacturer and therefore delays investigations or crime-solving efforts, SDSO said.
Additionally, cocaine, cash and hundreds of marijuana vape products were also found in the vehicle, according to the release.
Verduzco was subsequently arrested for several weapons violations, narcotics violations and child endangerment. He has been booked into the Vista Detention Facility.
Meanwhile, Ramirez was arrested for possession of marijuana for sales, a misdemeanor violation. He was cited and released.
Authorities released the two female juveniles to their parents following the incident.
