Police Nab Major Drug Dealer

Santa Barbara resident Luis Uriarte, 23, was arrested last week after a six-month narcotics investigation by city police. He was charged with cocaine for sale, transportation of cocaine, and possession of methamphetamine for sale. According to police spokesperson Sgt. Riley Harwood, Uriarte was pulled over during a traffic stop in the 900 Chapala Street at 8:30 a.m. on December 12. In his car, officers found 10 ounces of cocaine. At Uriarte’s house, authorities recovered more cocaine, meth, and cash. In total, officers seized 2.8 pounds of cocaine, 1 ounce of meth, and over $25,000.00. The value of the drugs was estimated at $40,000, Harwood said. Uriarte was booked in County Jail with bail set at $100,000.