Santa Maria Police Seize Firearms in Drug Bust and DUI Arrest

Separate incidents lead to arrests and confiscation of illegal weapons

Mar. 18, 2026 at 9:10pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In two separate incidents on Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning, the Santa Maria Police Department made arrests and seized firearms. In the first case, officers contacted suspects during what appeared to be a drug deal, leading to an arrest and the confiscation of narcotics, cash, and a stolen handgun. In the second incident, police arrested a driver for driving under the influence and found a loaded handgun in the vehicle.

Why it matters

The seizure of illegal firearms is an important public safety measure, as it removes potentially dangerous weapons from circulation in the community. The incidents highlight the ongoing efforts by the Santa Maria Police Department to combat drug-related crimes and driving under the influence, which often involve the presence of firearms.

The details

In the first incident, officers contacted suspects during what they believed was a drug deal. This led to an arrest and the seizure of narcotics, cash, and a stolen handgun. In the second incident, police arrested a driver for driving under the influence and discovered a loaded handgun inside the vehicle.

  • The first incident occurred on Tuesday night.
  • The second incident took place early Wednesday morning.

The players

Santa Maria Police Department

The local law enforcement agency responsible for the arrests and firearm seizures.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Two separate cases. Same outcome. Illegal firearms removed from our community.”

— Santa Maria Police Department

The takeaway

These incidents demonstrate the Santa Maria Police Department's ongoing efforts to address drug-related crimes and driving under the influence, which often involve the presence of illegal firearms. The seizure of these weapons helps to improve public safety in the community.