4 Santa Cruz men arrested on drug charges in Stateline

Four Santa Cruz men were arrested this week on charges of transporting and distributing cocaine in Stateline.

The monthlong investigation by the Tri-NET Narcotic Task Force, Douglas County sheriff’s deputies and Santa Cruz officers ended March 2 with Joseph Perez, 26, and Oscar Madriz, 25, booked on charges of trafficking and sales of a controlled substance.

Officers also seized approximately 255 grams of cocaine with a street value of $25,500. A vehicle, firearm, and cash were also confiscated.

Sheriff’s deputes said Madriz, an ex-felon out of California, had a loaded semi-automatic handgun in his possession which he will face an additional charge for.

These arrests led deputies to another Stateline hotel room where they said small amounts of cocaine and marijuana were found, along with drug paraphernalia. Arrested in the room were Tyler Silveira, 28, and Joaquin Lara, 27, both from Santa Cruz, on various drug related charges.

 — Lake Tahoe News staff report